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Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup For 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Jan 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (left) and forward Paul Millsap (middle) and guard Dennis Schroder (right) look on from the bench during the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Magic 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (left) and forward Paul Millsap (middle) and guard Dennis Schroder (right) look on from the bench during the game against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Magic 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a three-point basket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a three-point basket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Kent Bazemore

Kent Bazemore was one of the Hawks’ top priorities this summer, and they were able to re-sign the four-year man despite him having bigger contract offers from the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

It was imperative that Atlanta re-sign Bazemore because it would’ve left a hole at small forward that would be quickly exposed around the league considering all the superstar players at that position. And although Bazemore isn’t a superstar, he has still taken the necessary steps to be considered a respective small forward who will only continue to improve.

Bazemore seemed to get more comfortable with his role in Budenholzer’s offense last season, which helped him earn the starting position in 68 games. Defensively is where Bazemore has become more effective as well. He isn’t a lockdown defender, but he is active and intelligent enough to adapt to different match-ups and make their points difficult to come by.

In the Eastern Conference alone, Bazemore has to account for LeBron James, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony. He got his first real taste as a consistent starter last season, so he should be ready to build off of that and live up to the four-year, $70 million deal he signed this summer.

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