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Knicks: Free Agents To Watch In Round 2 of NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles past Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles past Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a victory against the Boston Celtics in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a victory against the Boston Celtics in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Kent Bazemore, Atlanta Hawks

Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 26
Slash Line: .441/.357/.815
Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.5 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks have built one of the best defensive units in the NBA. Mike Budenholzer’s crew ranked No. 2 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions during the 2015-16 regular season, and No. 1 in opponent field goal percentage.

One of the most vital contributors to that cause has been athletic swingman Kent Bazemore.

Bazemore has been a revelation in 2015-16, stepping into a bigger role and excelling on both ends of the floor. He averaged just under 12 points per game on an efficient slash line while rebounding well and holding opponents to 41.4 percent shooting as the primary defender.

Unfortunately, Bazemore has hit a major wall during the playoffs.

During the Hawks’ first-round series against the Boston Celtics, Bazemore shot 37.3 percent from the field, 28.9 percent from 3-point range, and 64.7 percent from the free throw line. It was a very concerning development, as Bazemore looked tentative and overwhelmed every step of the way.

The good news: Bazemore, held opponents to 28.2 percent shooting from the field on 11.8 attempts faced per game during the first round, and stepped up in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Next: 3 and Rugged D

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