Atlanta Hawks’ Best Players of the Decade: 10-6

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against Jeff Teague #44 of the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 23, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 96-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against Jeff Teague #44 of the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 23, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 96-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 8: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks shakes hands with Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 8, 2016 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Kent Bazemore

Kent Bazemore is the perfect role player for a team; a high-energy, defensive-savvy, ringer that is loved in the locker room.

Atlanta signed Bazemore in 2014, after he bounced around the G-League, Warriors and Lakers after being undrafted.

He made instant impact right off the bat, first as a spark plug off the bench, but that lasted just one season, taking Demarre Carroll’s starting spot when he left in free agency.

In the four seasons he started for Atlanta, Baze scored 11.7 points per game, adding 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals as well.

Bazemore always had shifty, quick hands on defense, leading to a lot of steals and fast break buckets.

He was a heavy fan favorite over his 5-year stay with the team, even when production dipped a bit last season, sending him back to the bench.

His infectious personality and bench celebrations, combined with his soaring, high-energy brand of play made him one of the most important Hawks of the decade.