Kent Bazemore leaves them shaking their heads.
The Hawks guard has incited teammates to smiles with something he has said in the locker room or done during sideline antics. He has amazed coaches and fans with his athletic ability on the basketball court. He leaves others lamenting how he got away.
The chemistry of the Hawks has been unequivocal during this record-breaking season. Bazemore has been right in the middle of it.
“We always had some funny guys, but his energy and his passion for the game rubs off on you on the floor and the locker room,” Jeff Teague said. “He’s probably one of the best teammates I ever had.”
Not much was made when Bazemore signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Hawks as a free agent this summer, coming off an injury. He is a bargain now and has played an increasingly important role with the Hawks.
Bazemore is playing meaningful minutes, especially with injuries to Thabo Sefolosha and now Kyle Korver, and making an impact. He started in place of Korver in Monday’s win over the Kings and could again Wednesday in the highly anticipated game against the Warriors in a meeting of the best in each conference.
“Any time you get negative in this game, this is a very mental game, it can be a cancer in the locker room,” Bazemore said. “Keeping guys happy, laughing, chest up; it’s a good thing for the team and getting wins.”
The Hawks signed Bazemore for his defensive ability on the wing. He won the Lefty Dreisell Award as the nation’s best defender while at Old Dominion. He proved early in his career with the Warriors and Lakers that the skill set was transferable to the NBA.
“He’s been a pretty amazing defender from his rookie season,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I have these vivid memories of him being put in at the end of a quarter to guard the other team’s best player. For a rookie to do that, that is a huge compliment to him. Obviously, he gained the trust of his coaches. His defense and his energy, passion and love, you can tell he has a great influence. He brings a lot to the table that any team would want to have.”
During a game against the Lakers on Sunday, Bazemore completed a pretty reverse layup. A scout from the Warriors turned to another watching the action and said, “I wish we hadn’t traded him.”
Now in his third season, Bazemore broke in with the Warriors after going undrafted out of college. He was dealt to the Lakers last season and became a free agent. In addition to the Hawks, Bazemore received offers from the Lakers and Bobcats. He also drew interest from the Warriors, Mavericks, Rockets and Jazz.
In 60 games with the Hawks, Bazemore has averaged 5.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. He was used sparingly to start the season as he returned from a foot injury that cut short his time with the Lakers. Bazemore has scored in double figures in each of the past three games, including a 13-point and career-high-tying nine rebound game against the Lakers. Bazemore can run, slash and dunk with the best of him, but he has developed a quality outside shot. He has made 33 of 97 3-point attempts.
Budenholzer said he watched Bazemore from afar before convincing him to sign with the Hawks. He said what Bazemore could bring off the court was almost as important as his potential on it.
“Sometimes when you are watching film and when you are at the games, I think it’s important not just to observe what’s on the court but off the court,” Budenholzer said. “Those things are big part of having a good team and a good group.”
Bazemore quickly became a fan-favorite with the Warriors and Lakers. He has earned that distinction with Hawks teammates, coaches and fans.
Through it all, Bazemore keeps his contagious smile.
“Blessed and thankful,” Bazemore said of his persona. “You don’t have any reason to be sad all the time. Be happy. Positive thoughts, the whole positive energy thing, I’m a big believer in vibes. I just love this game and being a great teammate. I like pumping (teammates) up.”
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