Despite being swept out of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second straight season, Kent Bazemore wants to remain an Atlanta Hawk.
The 26-year-old swingman stated during the team's exit interviews that he would love to return to Atlanta, via Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“I would love to return here. I think the past two years I’ve taken a tremendous leap. Not only my professional year but personally. I’m growing more into myself and figuring out life. This place as a special place in my heart. I grew up right up the street in North Carolina. Super close to home. Not close enough. Has its perks here. The weather is great. Golf is great. God is great.”
The small forward had his finest pro season to date, as he averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while starting in 68 games during the regular season. He also started all 10 postseason games for the Hawks at small forward.
Bazemore's teammate, Paul Millsap, compared his growth as a player to that of former Hawk, DeMarre Carroll:
“I go back and I saw it happen with DeMarre Carroll, his growth,” Millsap said. “Kent Bazemore came down the same road. Given an opportunity and being put in the right situation, he strived and he did great. We love Kent and his personality and what he brings to this team. We definitely would like to have him back.”
Bazemore had previously signed a two-year deal worth $4 million with Atlanta back in 2014. Considering he's a full-time starter now combined with the fact that the salary cap will increase, the Hawks will have to be prepared to shell out more money if they hope to bring the undrafted free agent back to Atlanta.
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