During last summer's free agency, Kent Bazemore became one of the most sought-after players outside of the marquee free agents. His ability to play the two and three position combined with his effective outside shooting and decent defensive skills made him a highly-coveted free agent.
The 27-year-old received offers from multiple teams but strongly considered only two of them, the one from the Houston Rockets, and from the team he ultimately chose to remain a player of, the Atlanta Hawks.
Bazemore was left impressed after his meeting with the Rockets' representatives and was already contemplating to sign with them, but as soon as he stepped out to walk in downtown Atlanta, he knew that was the place he wants to be in.
Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
“It was close,” Bazemore said. “Obviously, I have a history with Coach (Mike) D'Antoni out in LA. It was my first big free agency. They brought out all the stops. I definitely felt they were on board and excited about having me a part of that team. As a player that's what you want.
“We had the meeting here in Atlanta. Walking outside in Atlanta, for me the biggest thing was I don't really want to move again. I'm starting to grow a network here. My fiancé loves it here. Stay someplace where your roots are starting to grow. I think it's pivotal at this point in life to keep putting the pieces together.”
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