Atlanta Hawks 2016-2017 Season Review: Kent Bazemore

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Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a three-point basket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

Bazemore did flash some ability to be a good sixth man.

It was clear that when he was a good spark off of the bench, the Hawks were a much better team than they normally were. His ability to handle the ball and his energy really showed the ability to give an unsteady second unit a lift.

Particularly in Game 4 against the Wizards, Bazemore looked great and was what the Hawks expected him to be when they signed him to a rich contract. He finished that game with 16 points, seven assists, and three steals off of the bench. He also had just one turnover and was the playmaker that the Hawks needed off of the bench.

His ability to create for others and play in hot streaks make him an interesting commodity off of the bench. The Hawks lacked a stable backup point guard and in games like Game 4, Bazemore showed the ability to be that primary ball-handler with the second unit.

It was clear this season that Bazemore was probably not best fit to be a full-time starter. But the great energy he plays with makes him a, potentially, very good sixth man. The energy sometimes was a weakness but when harnessed, Bazemore was effective.

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