As we move ever closer to the preseason, let’s take a look at the goals for each player on the Atlanta Hawks as we head into the 2018-19 regular season.
While Kent Bazemore’s future with the Atlanta Hawks is uncertain at the moment, he is a vital part of the team and roster while he remains on it. Baze is never going to put up crazy scoring or assist numbers, but he is a guy that will do a lot of little things to help the team win. He has an unfriendly contract for a rebuilding team and would probably be more of a help to a contending team looking for a three-and-D wing, but there is still a lot of things he could bring to this young Hawks team.
Baze is and has been the leader on this young team since Travis Schlenk decided to let Paul Millsap walk in 2017-18 free agency. His main goal for this season should be to mentor the young guards, especially Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, and Tyler Dorsey. He has been a journeyman in this league that worked his way up from being an undrafted bench player to a starter in the NBA. He plays his heart out every single time he steps on the floor, is an exceptional teammate, and is a great example for the young Hawks.
He should look to continue to improve his three-point shot like he did this past season. If Baze is knocking down open shots and playing lockdown defense, he will be an extremely valuable asset to the Hawks and could be in for another big payday when he becomes a free agent again after the 2019-2020 season.
This past season he shot the three ball at 39% which is a more than acceptable rate. With Trae Young on the court, Baze should see even more open looks this year because of Young’s ability to create space and find open teammates.
If Kent Bazemore is on the Hawks roster when the season begins, he will be one of their most vital resources as the team undergoes year two of “The Cawcess.” The leadership and passion he brings night in and night out will be extremely important factors that will hopefully rub off on the young guns.
Bazemore’s defensive intensity is something that I would love to see have an impact for Young and Huerter especially, who have been heavily criticized for the defense they have shown in their college careers.
Kent Bazemore’s role has shifted heavily from the days of the magical 60-win season of 2014-15 when he was a spark off the bench. He is now the leader on a team that is trying to define themselves and he has the mindset and attitude to get this team headed in a positive direction.