Good read about Baze

[Jdawgflow]

I have not seen this posted and thought I would share.  It is a good read.

https://doubledrivelblog.com/2016/07/08/470-baze-it-how-kent-bazemore-found-his-place/

[Guest]

I love players like this who put the work and succeed.

[bleachkit]

Still think we should have let him walk. Based on salary he's one of our big three. I personally think he's more of a role player.

[Guest]

23 minutes ago, bleachkit said:

Still think we should have let him walk. Based on salary he's one of our big three. I personally think he's more of a role player.

The NBA is leaning towards an era of 3D long wing players. When we look back at this in a few years, Baze will be well worth it. 

[Guest]

34 minutes ago, bleachkit said:

Still think we should have let him walk. Based on salary he's one of our big three. I personally think he's more of a role player.

Who would be his replacement?

[DS5]

10 minutes ago, Spud2Nique said:

The NBA is leaning towards an era of 3D long wing players. When we look back at this in a few years, Baze will be well worth it. 

 

36 minutes ago, bleachkit said:

Still think we should have let him walk. Based on salary he's one of our big three. I personally think he's more of a role player.

Plus, you can't just look at the salaries given this year and automatically assume that "based on salary, he's...." because salaries changed drastically this year. If anything, you should be comparing it to contracts given out to other wings in the market (Evan Turner, Deng, among many many others), and you'll really see how good of a value Baze's contract is. Lastly, remember that Baze left money on the table to return to Atlanta, so obviously we didn't overpay.

Edited July 11, 2016 by DS5

[lethalweapon3]

Bumping to note Kent will be on-air at 92.9 in a couple minutes.

~lw3

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, lethalweapon3 said:

Bumping to note Kent will be on-air at 92.9 in a couple minutes.

~lw3

He seems like he'd be a really cool guy to kick it with...I think we have some cool, down to earth fun personalities on our squad this year. Chemistry might be good. Stay professional, but keep it fun and loose. Oh and one last thing...

 

JUST WIN BABY!!!! (No I'm not a Raidere fan I'm Lions and this is not time for Lions jokes thanks in advance).

[lethalweapon3]

Paraphras-apalooza from this morning's radio interview...

• Promoting ARMS Foundation charity events, including UNO tourney at Fernbank: “I have a mean UNO game… claims to be the team’s defending UNO champ.” Charity contributors don’t have to participate at upcoming events; they’re free to attend and just hang out.

 

• Realized “huge platform” he had while at GSW, decided to take advantage of it by starting a foundation. “When I leave the game of basketball, I’ll want something I can get into.”

 

• Dwight Howard… “Yes!... He’s done some tremendous things throughout his career… (re: D#’s last 2 teams) He’s never been in a position where it’s his team. He’s back here at home, and he has a great team around him.”

 

• On staying in ATL on a (my word) “discount”… “You can make a ton of $ on a bad team on a not-cool city and be miserable… When I walk outside in the morning and smell that cool ATL air, it kind of calms my mind.”

 

• Jarrett: “I played with him at GSW… Very vocal, great leader in the locker room, someone Dennis can learn a lot from.”

 

• Dennis: “That’s somebody you wanna shape your franchise around… I’m looking forward to watching him pick up the opposing point guard fullcourt every night.”

 

• The BazeGaze: “It came from somebody about to do/say something stupid, you look at him like… It’s kind of like the Crying Jordan face.”

 

• Warriors+KD: “GM Bob Myers has a great eye for talent... My draft class was great for the organization… Steph was always showing us a glimpse of how great he can be… Draymond, we played in Summer League when a lot of people counted us out and we won the championship… KD coming there, it doesn’t bother me, it’d be good to try to beat a team with those kinds of names on it… You gotta go out there and try to give it your best shot.”

 

• On the burgeoning concept of “superteams” like GSW: “It’s a delicate situation… the game is involving, you basically need superteams to win these championships, you play 105 games, it’s hard, you need guys that can shoulder the load. (KD) is just taking the wear and tear off (Steph’s) body.”

 

• “A lot of people get the payday that I had and say alright, but I’m hungrier. I’m salivating at the chance to hoist that trophy.”

 

• Moving to the 2? “I hope so. (Cites rookies+Thabo) I think I’ll get a few minutes at the 2.”

~lw3

[Dejay]

I'll admit that I'm not the biggest Bazemore fan out there but I'm warming up to him staying. First of all, who else was the Hawks going to sign in the same range, for lesser $$$ than other teams were offering mind you? Luol Deng, whose tread is all but gone? Allan Crabbe, who Portland just matched? Overpay for Soloman Hill or Wesley Johnson?

I'm hoping that he stays healthy and continues improving that jump shot of his, particularly in mid-range. To this point, he has worked his a$$ off to get from a guy getting D-league minutes to a starter. Hope his progression continues...

[Guest]

What I like about Baze is he is embracing Atlanta to the fullest.  Most guys just play for the Hawks.  He seems genuinely happy to be here.  I appreciate that.

 

[Dejay]

Do we have the Baze gaze GIF yet? That's the gift that keeps on giving...

Edited July 11, 2016 by Dejay

[ATLSmith]

[pimp]

1 hour ago, JayBirdHawk said:

What I like about Baze is he is embracing Atlanta to the fullest.  Most guys just play for the Hawks.  He seems genuinely happy to be here.  I appreciate that.

 

She holding something in her hand....  At first, i thought  it looked like she was sexual harassing Baze.

[lethalweapon3]

Bump x2:

~lw3

[pimp]

 

[Guest]

Baze interview on NBARadio synopsis ...

- Went over his upcoming charity event.  Pretty cool of him.

- On why he came bak, sid he's comfortable in Atlanta.  Grew up in south (NC) so ATL fits his pace, loves food, golf.  Fiancee loves it here.

- Considers last season his 2nd "real" season, wants to continue to grow with the guys he's been working with so far.

- Thanked Al/Jeff, thinks Howard will have a great year being back home with hometown supporting him.  Thinks Hawks did a great job of bringing in pieces to help continue to win.  Shouted out Jack addition, Hump bring-back.  Says guys are ready to get after it.

- Asked about Spurs-East, what does that mean from a culture standpoint.  Says it's huge and it's one of the reasons he signed here in the 1st place.  Remembers Budz as SA asst.  Important to sacrifice yourself for greater good, everybody is involved and has a "voice".  Makes it fun to come in to work.  Everyone is a part of "something".

- Asked about Timi D, said one game they were getting killt (in LAL).  He hit Timi with a cross-over and got by him.  Dunc was totally out of the picture but came back to block his shot.  Timi said, "You know better than that, young fella."

[ATLSmith]

51 minutes ago, kg01 said:

Baze interview on NBARadio synopsis ...

- Asked about Timi D, said one game they were getting killt (in LAL).  He hit Timi with a cross-over and got by him.  Dunc was totally out of the picture but came back to block his shot.  Timi said, "You know better than that, young fella."

Oh snap!  Lol.

[Guest]

Another Baze Article/Interview:

Quote

Basketball Insiders caught up with Bazemore to discuss his free agency decision, his meeting with the Rockets, the huge strides he made in recent years, his expectations for next season, the Hawks’ addition of Dwight Howard and more:

Alex Kennedy: You decided to re-sign with the Atlanta Hawks after receiving interest from several teams. What factored in to that decision?

Kent Bazemore: “I had made it clear all season that I wanted to return. Once you go through a season like this last one, a career-year where you’re with the organization and coach and team for a second straight year, it’s hard to leave. My ceiling is super high here because I’m comfortable. I think being comfortable in your surroundings is important to becoming the best person and player that you can be. That weighed heavily in my decision. My fiancée loves it here too. Happy wife, happy life, right? (laughs) With other teams, there were a lot of uncertainties. For example, some were in the rebuilding stage. I didn’t want to leave a situation that I know a lot about for a situation with uncertainties. This is the place where I feel like I can grow the most, be close to home and develop my brand. I think having a brand in this league is really important because it helps catapult you in certain situations. The city of Atlanta has really embraced me. It’s been a perfect fit from the get-go.”

Kennedy: Just a few years ago, you were more known for your bench antics with the Golden State Warriors than your on-court contributions. Now, you’re one of the better two-way players in the NBA and you have an organization like the Houston Rockets bringing out owner Les Alexander, James Harden, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and others to pitch to you. Is it a bit surreal how much has changed in just a few years?

Bazemore: “It is surreal. You walk into the room and there’s Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, James Harden, the owner and the assistant GM. It was a lot. They gave me this iPad with the presentation, and it was a very strong presentation. They did it in my backyard, so I was still home, still in my element, still in Atlanta. I made up my mind that I wanted to stay here with the Hawks. They tried to persuade me otherwise by breaking through that wall and trying to change my mind. And they almost did, I have to give them credit. Their presentation was impressive, with the moves they want to make. Also, I had already played under [head coach] Mike D’Antoni, so that played a factor as well. But at the end of the day, there were a lot of uncertainties. I would’ve been leaving a solid situation to go to Houston and play with James Harden, who is a great player, but one thing I want to do more this year is play with the ball in my hands. I understand that the Rockets are James’ team, so I thought the best thing for me was to stay here, where I can blossom. Not that I couldn’t have done it there, but I just think I have a better chance to do it here.”

Kennedy: That leads to my next question. In your opinion, how much more room to you have to grow? How much untapped potential do you feel you still have?

Bazemore: “Oh man, a ton. There’s not anyone on this planet who criticizes me more than myself. I think this contract has definitely motivated me to be a lot better. There are still levels to go – be an All-Star, be a superstar, MVP talk. That may seem farfetched, but I think at this rate, anything that I say can very well happen. Looking at how far I’ve come over the last few years, I think anything is obtainable. I know a lot of guys get a pay check and then relax, but I’m not going to be that guy. I’ve just been so motivated since signing a few weeks ago. I’m ready to get back out there and play. I know what I have to do to reach my projections and be where I want to be when I leave this game.”

Kennedy: The Hawks have made some significant changes this summer. You added Dwight Howard to the roster, but also lost players like Al Horford and Jeff Teague. What are your thoughts on the offseason as a whole?

Bazemore: “I think obviously losing Al and Jeff – two All-Stars – is a blow, but from an organization standpoint, I know they were looking to head in a new direction. Jeff and I had been here the longest out of everybody on the team, but they felt it was time to make a change. They’re going with a younger point guard, Dennis Schröder, who is defensive-oriented. They brought in Dwight Howard, who is one of the most dominant centers of all-time and poised for a breakout year. He seems super hungry. I’ve chatted with him a few times and he seems like he’s ready to get after it. It’s a situation for him where, unlike in L.A. and unlike in Houston, this is going to be his team. We’ll work off of him. We understand that he’s been to the NBA Finals and played on some great teams. We’re looking for him to be a leader for us, and I think he can do it. Him coming back home and being comfortable here, I think that makes a world of a difference. Then, of course, we have Paul Millsap, who is really special and does what he does on a nightly basis. He’s so consistent. We have some rookies who I’m really excited about; Taurean Prince is a big body and DeAndre Bembry is a play-maker with some good size. Then we have guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and, of course, Jarrett Jack, who is one of the most vocal leaders in the entire league. He’s someone who I learned a lot of my leadership skills from back when we played together in Golden State. I could go on and on about this team. We have a good team all around – a solid mix of young guys and veterans – so it’s going to be a good year.”

Kennedy: Last year, most people felt that the Eastern Conference was pretty wide open after the Cleveland Cavaliers. Do you think you guys have a shot at being one of those top teams in the East?

Bazemore: “Yeah, definitely. Cleveland is a great team and what they did last year was amazing, beating a team that many people thought would walk away with the regular season and the postseason. You have to give a ton of credit to them because they’ve done a great job putting themselves in position to win and be successful. I think we took notes from losing to them eight straight games in the postseason. There’s definitely a fire lit under us for next season and we want to come back better than ever – individually and collectively as well. We’re taking steps in the right direction, adding Dwight Howard, adding Jarrett Jack, re-signing Kris Humphries and things like that. I think we’re moving in the right direction this year and that we’re poised to do some damage this season.”

Kennedy: What aspects of your games are you working on this offseason?

Bazemore: “I’m working on my body a ton. For me, getting stronger is super important. I’m just as athletic as any player in the league, but strength is important over an 82-game season. I’ve been working on my body a lot. I’m always expanding my knowledge of the game, watching a ton of film and understanding the game of basketball better. It’s one thing to just go out there to play, but it’s another to know exactly what you’re doing. It’s a game of chess, and I’m working on setting up players, setting up plays, making sure I’m in the right position on defense and those kind of small details. I’m always fine tuning those things. I think that will make me a much more solid player, and that way I’m not out of position on defense or gambling or things like that. I think I took a step in the right direction last year in terms of being solid, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m continuing to work on my jump shot too. I made a minor change at the beginning of the summer, so I think you should see my percentages go up next season. I’m also working on some more stuff off the dribble. It’s going to be a good year for me. With Dwight rolling to rim, I think our pick-and-roll is going to be really special and I’m looking forward to that as well.”

Kennedy: You’re very active in the community and have a lot of things going on right now with your foundation. What are some of the initiatives you are working on at the moment?

Bazemore: “I have three areas that I’m targeting right now. First is back home where I grew up in Bertie County, NC. Then, I have some things in Norfolk, VA, where I went to college. And here in Atlanta, I’m starting to plant some seeds and my foundation’s home base will be here in Atlanta. It’s a very saturated area with a ton of opportunities to do things. It’ll run out of Atlanta and trickle down to everywhere else. Ultimately, I want to start an academy, so right now I’m doing things in education like working with Boys and Girls Clubs, working with foster homes, working with basketball camps and things like that. We have a lot on our plate and some really big goals for the foundation. It’s something that I want to continue to do long after I retire, so I’m going to be involved in this for a very long time. I always wanted to get into philanthropy and I think this is a great start with my foundation. I want to turn this into something that’s very special.”

Kennedy: This question was submitted on Twitter by @HollywoodHeat. Kent, you have a lot of friends around the NBA and you’re obviously a charismatic guy. It’s well documented that you played a role in Stephen Curry joining Under Armour, so you clearly have some recruiting talent. Do you envision yourself being a recruiter of free agents for Atlanta moving forward?

Bazemore: “Oh yeah, most definitely. I think next summer, I’ll be sitting in every meeting. I think it’s a strong gesture when a team brings one of their leaders to a meeting because they can weigh in and tell the player how they can fit. In my Rockets meeting, having James Harden there really meant a lot and helped a lot.

With Kevin Durant, you had all of the top Warriors players there recruiting him and answering questions. Damian Lillard [was involved] in recruiting this summer, and I think Damian is one of the most underappreciated players in the league on and off the court. He deserves more credit for everything he does. Young players should look up to him, with the way he approaches the game, how team-oriented he is and how he is always focused on a greater cause than himself. He’s definitely a guy who I’ve been eyeing and watching what he does to learn from him.

For some reason, certain guys have a lot of pride or a big ego so they don’t want to show up to a free-agent meeting to recruit a guy to come play with them. But that just creates animosity. As soon as we signed Dwight Howard and Jarrett Jack, I sent them a text because I wanted to talk to them and start our relationship out on the right foot. That way when we’re in training camp or see each other in the gym, we’ve already talked and it’s not our first conversation. I’ll definitely be a recruiter in the future. I think I have a natural connection with people.

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/kent-bazemore-on-free-agency-hawks-future-dwight-howard/?platform=hootsuite

[Diesel]

On 7/11/2016 at 8:33 AM, bleachkit said:

Still think we should have let him walk. Based on salary he's one of our big three. I personally think he's more of a role player.

Nah Son.  He's a 3 and D wing player.   With Korver looking at retirement and us just having lost DMC to a similar deal, Baze has found a good match in us and we have found a good match in him.  You can't predict work ethic.  These new guys may have NONE.  They also may be lacking in the heart department.  We hope not, but we will find out.   What we know is that Baze is dripping in both and that's what makes a player better.