Two Atlanta Hawks Named To SI's Top 100-51 List

In case it got lost somewhere between “He looks like Chance the Rapper” and “He started a war between Nike and Under Armour,” Kent Bazemore enjoyed a quality breakout campaign last season. This was a long time coming for the 27-year-old, who went undrafted out of Old Dominion and worked his way up from the D-League and the Summer League circuit to secure a starting role for the Hawks last season. A hyperactive, long two guard, Bazemore (11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG) pulled in a four-year, $70 million contract this summer by proving that he could fill the 3-and-D role fairly well. Although he’s not quite a knockdown shooter or a lockdown perimeter defender, Bazemore has the physical tools, athleticism and enough newfound control to serve as a helpful contributor on both ends. His positional versatility on the defensive end, in particular, makes him a valuable piece for the Hawks and the type of guy who would find a way to fit in on just about any contender. Going forward, Bazemore is probably best served by staying in his lane, as his decision-making with the ball can be erratic and much of his offense is generated by Atlanta’s emphasis on ball movement.(Last year: Not ranked)

+ His $15.7 million for 2016-17 is more than 33 times larger what he made in 2012-13
+ Less than 3% of his field-goal attempts came within 10-15 ft. (via basketball-reference)
– He rated “Below average” as a pick-and-roll ball-handler last season, per Synergy Sports
– His numbers could take a hit with the losses of skilled passers Jeff Teague and Al Horford

A pair of surgeries—one to his ankle, another to his shooting elbow—completely derailed Korver’s 2015-16 season. It took months for his game (and shooting percentages) to course correct, and from that dry spell came Korver’s worst season three-point shooting percentage since 2009. That is not to be overlooked; even a drop into the low-40s in three-point percentage would be notable for Korver considering the lofty range where he usually lives. That specialty is the core of his game. Defenses may choose to guard him the same based on capability and reputation, but central to Korver’s appeal is the capacity to make opponents pay. When he’s unable to do that—as was the case in December and January last season—Korver fades into the background of games. Korver showed over the final months of the season that he can still do enough of that to be effective, though a 35-year-old coming off a season marred by injury deserves some mild pessimism. (Last year: No. 46)

+ Forces opponents to change their game plans to account for his presence
+ Changes the game without the ball, allowing teammates to register their own influence
– A nondescript defender at best, an exploitable one at worst
– Clearly on the decline of his career