Atlanta Hawks: 7 Takeaways from First Week of Preseason

DeAndre’ Bembry Will Have Ample Opportunities Off the Bench

As Kevin Huerter eases back slowly from offseason surgery and Daniel Hamilton also recovers from an injury, DeAndre’ Bembry will be afforded many opportunities next season as a backup two guard and, if the preseason’s early goings can be believed, backup primary ballhandler.

Bembry exploded out of the gate in the preseason to the tune of 20 points against the Pelicans, but cooled off considerably in the following two games – logging 16 points vs. 9 turnovers to go along with a -24 box plus/minus. Still though, he hit this awesome first-quarter buzzer-beater vs. the Thunder on Sunday, so it hasn’t been all bad:

After three preseason games, it’s clear that the Atlanta Hawks are prioritizing the continued development of Bembry over some of the younger players that might be more important for the Hawks’ long-term success.

Bembry has looked quite good on defense and in terms of his effort plays, as he is almost serving a similar role to how Kent Bazemore was employed off the bench during the Atlanta Hawks’ historic and exciting 60-win season of 2014-15.

That year, Baze was used as a high-energy sub who could fly all over the court and affect the game in multiple ways. Now, Baze is a reliable and capable secondary playmaker – which is seemingly the path that Hawks brass wants Bembry to take as well.

If he can cut down on the turnovers and hit his threes, there’s a good chance that career path is in the cards.