Atlanta Hawks: 3 Takeaways From Tough Road Loss to Sacramento Kings

Kent Bazemore is healthy and ready for the stretch run

The game against the Kings in Sacramento represented Kent Bazemore’s first game back from a 14-game absence due to an ankle injury. Bazemore did not viciously dunk on the Kings or make any hyper-explosive plays, but nonetheless he looked 100 percent healthy as he racked up 9 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal in 19 minutes of action.

He was 3/5 from the field, which included going 2/4 from the 3-point line. While his value is obviously tied to his ability to be a great 3-and-D wing for a playoff team, the fact that he showed confidence in his off the dribble jump shooting is just as important, as versatility in all areas will be the name of the game come playoff time.

The 29-year old Bazemore looks like he still has plenty left in the tank, which is why it will be interesting to see how the Atlanta Hawks rotation pans out with Kevin Huerter, Taurean Prince and DeAndre’ Bembry all providing solid minutes at the 2 and the 3.

We are about a week away from the NBA trade deadline and it will be intriguing to see how many offers roll in for Baze, with their being an abundance of playoff hopefuls who could use some veteran help on the wing.