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Who will be the Atlanta Hawks’ team leaders in 2016-17?

By Tom Atkinson

Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer coaches against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pistons 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer coaches against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pistons 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steals Per Game

Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) steals the ball from Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) steals the ball from Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Leader: Paul Millsap- 1.8 steals per game.

Millsap can just do everything, can’t he? As well as leading the team in points, rebounds and blocks last term, Millsap was also our best thief. For the last two years, the power forward from Louisiana has averaged 1.8 steals per game, and his numbers have only dipped below 1.7 twice since he became a starter with the Jazz six years ago. Millsap’s defensive I.Q. is matched only by his tenacity and relentless brilliance. Blessed with the quick hands and terrific instincts that make him Atlanta’s best thief, Millsap will retain his place at the top.

Runner-up: Kent Bazemore- 1.5 steals per game.

Dec 9, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Hawks defeated the Mavericks 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates making a three point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Hawks defeated the Mavericks 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Kent Bazemore is as energetic and vivacious on the court as he is flawlessly friendly and down-to-earth. Once known for his celebrations on the bench, Bazemore has become a key cog in Atlanta’s system. He has such an enthusiasm in life that it is impossible not to like him. Whether it is his eternal smile, his stamina on the floor or even the BazeGaze, he is a great character and sums up what the franchise is all about. Bazemore took out a full ad in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to thank fans and even recently held an Uno tournament with fans in Atlanta, having gained plenty of experience with the Uno-crazy Hawks.

On the floor, though, that energy lets him defend as staunchly as the Junkyard Dog he replaced. He is adept at jumping the passing lanes for interceptions and can strip the ball off the handlers. He managed a career-high 1.3 steals per game in the 2015-16 campaign and that should continue to grow in line with his overall game and the love the fans have for him. We love you, Baze. Never change.

Next: Rookie of the Year

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