The Atlanta Hawks are currently battling a Boston Celtics team that doesn’t have an out and out star. (Although I did say 2 years ago that Isaiah Thomas would be a team leader) Even though the Celtics are the sexier team, with that scent of the underdog, having players that couldn’t make it work but have found a home in Boston. The Atlanta Hawks are not exactly Cleveland now are they?
Millsap and Horford are All-Star quality, borderline stars but behind them are some players that have a job and work as a unit. Millsap dropping 40 pieces isn’t a regular thing, they get their points from everyone. One of those players is Kent Bazemore, North Carolina native and general lover of the Deep South. He is due to test free agency waters but he doesn’t really want to leave the ATL, he’s comfy.
“I love playing the game for the people in this city. All these people who come out and watch you play, you go out and give them 110 percent. To see somebody walk by me, you give them a hug, you [shake their hand], you do whatever you can do to put a smile on their face.”
Bazemore will get his share of free agent offers, but it appears he wants to remain in Atlanta. The Hawks will be in a position to make Bazemore a lucrative offer if they wish.
“This is the best two years of my career as far as individually and professionally,” Bazemore said. “I’ve grown as a man and I’m four years in now. I’m coming into my own and it’s a beautiful thing.
“Being able to be out there and play through your mistakes and have a coach [Mike Budenholzer] who takes it personal to coach you. He loves my competitiveness and I love how competitive he is. It’s a match made in heaven.”
I like that loyalty, if you’re happy somewhere and you like the team. Why leave?
But then again, will his mind change when he gets a better offer from another team? It’s all well and good saying that you like where you’re at but when those checks are being waved in your face will your mindset change?
