Soaring Down South
Fansided

Five bold predictions for the Atlanta Hawks 2017-2018 season

By Tyler Sellers

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Kent Bazemore
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Kent Bazemore /

3. Kent Bazemore  Will be Traded Before the Deadline 

It’s possible this is actually wishful thinking as opposed to a legitimate prediction. Kent Bazemore is indeed a great defender, athlete and brings a lot of energy. That doesn’t change the fact he is lacking offensively and doesn’t necessarily fit the teams long-term plans.

We’ve already watched general manager Travis Schlenk move on from remaining players such as Dwight Howard, Paul Millsap and Thabo Sefolosha that made the Hawks who they were. This is purely speculation, but I would imagine he wants to free himself from the approximately $52 million left on his contract to maximize his options.

Bazemore got off to a sluggish start last season. I thought what he was going through was a slump he’d eventually get out of, but it turned out that’s the player I should expect to see consistently. That’s not sufficient to the standard for a starting shooting guard. Especially one who gets paid as much as he does.

Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Kent Bazemore /

The Hawks actually won 9 of their first 11 games, despite Bazemore’s troubles. Over the course of that span, he made just 45 of 118 field goals for 38.1 percent. He was able to raise his field goal percentage to 40.7 percent by the end of the regular season. The rate at which he converted 3 point shots was a pedestrian 34.2 percent.

He could very well be the league’s most wholesome, charismatic player who has many other qualities. He even occasionally has a marvelous offensive performance. I like Kent Bazemore, just not on the Hawks.

Kent Bazemore
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: Kent Bazemore /

One of the main problems he presents his team, which was largely the culprit for his demotion prior to the playoffs, is the consistency with which he delivers good offensive production. Last season, he had 11 games with which he scored 3 points or less; two of those contests he registered 0 in the box score. All of those instances he logged at least 20 minutes of action.

Those are the type of numbers that shouldn’t cut the mustard for anybody. It’s hard to play starters minutes, and not score a single point. He couldn’t draw a foul to get to the free throw line, ask his teammates to take the technical, or anything like that? The rim is not that unkind to the worst player, even they would find a way onto the board.

Look for the Atlanta Hawks to make a valiant effort to build up his trade value during the first couple months of the season, and trade him to any taker that may call. If he miraculously does enjoy sustainable success, it’s still going to be tough. There’s always a fringe contender seeking a strong perimeter defender, that can hit a 3, but none of them will be willing to pay $17 million per year for it.

Mr. Schlenk may have to take back another teams undesirables, similar to the Dwight Howard trade, to move Bazemore. That’s a resort he should be willing to consider, since Bazemore is 28 years old and won’t get any better. I’ve already spent more time harping on this than I should have. He could close his eyes and throw a dart at next year’s draft board and have a more viable option at starting shooting guard.