Soaring Down South
Fansided

One Skill Every Atlanta Hawks Starter Must Improve

By Colby Giacubeno

Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the game against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard
Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard /

Kent Bazemore

Position: Small Forward

2015-16 statistics: 11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG

2015-16 slash line: 44.1/35.7/81.5

Kent Bazemore put himself on the map with his production last season for the Hawks. It wasn’t that his averages really stuck out, but the impact he made for the team in areas that can’t be told by the box scores was undeniable.

He did however improve on his outside shooting in the half-court and gradually became more of threat for kick-out three’s as the season progressed. Continuing his accuracy from deep will be key in his development into becoming one of the best wing players in the Eastern Conference.

In terms of improving, there are a couple of focuses for Bazemore. He told Alex Kennedy from Basketball Insiders exactly what he’s been working on throughout the summer:

"“I’m working on my body a ton. For me, getting stronger is super important. I’m just as athletic as any player in the league, but strength is important over an 82-game season. I’ve been working on my body a lot. I’m always expanding my knowledge of the game, watching a ton of film and understanding the game of basketball better. It’s one thing to just go out there to play, but it’s another to know exactly what you’re doing. It’s a game of chess, and I’m working on setting up players, setting up plays, making sure I’m in the right position on defense and those kind of small details. I’m always fine tuning those things. I think that will make me a much more solid player, and that way I’m not out of position on defense or gambling or things like that. I think I took a step in the right direction last year in terms of being solid, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m continuing to work on my jump shot too. I made a minor change at the beginning of the summer, so I think you should see my percentages go up next season. I’m also working on some more stuff off the dribble. It’s going to be a good year for me. With Dwight rolling to rim, I think our pick-and-roll is going to be really special and I’m looking forward to that as well.”"

Bazemore is focused on all the right areas to make the next step in his development. Now, Hawks fans get to sit back and watch him grow.

Next: Power Forward

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