
4. Kent Bazemore
Kent Bazemore has experienced a steady rise in his career. He has gone from a end-of-the-bench cheerleader on a rising Golden State Warriors team to a promising prospect with the Los Angeles Lakers to a key part of the Atlanta Hawks’ nucleus.
Bazemore filled DeMarre Carroll‘s shoes admirably, averaging 11.6 points, 1.3 steals and 5.1 rebounds on 35.7 percent shooting from 3-point range.
With the Hawks having to worry about All-Star center Al Horford and chasing superstar Kevin Durant, Bazemore is certain to be on a new team next year.
He would surely fill the hole on the wing for the Grizzlies. He can play solid defense, shoot the 3 ball, and play in a system. One cause of concern is his playmaking ability. Bazemore averaged 2.3 assists per game last season. Are these numbers are reflection of his playmaking?
In addition to making plays for others, does he have the ability to make plays and take over a game? Bazemore scored 20 or more points in 11 of the 75 games he played in.
The Grizzlies need a wing who can take over a game when called upon. If Bazemore can show those abilities, he will ease pressure off post players Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph as well as Mike Conley’s pressure to create on the perimeter.
While he may not be a max contract player, Bazemore should cost a hefty amount this offseason. If the Grizzlies can snag him for four years, $60 million, they will not only find a solid starting small forward but also open up enough money to chase other players.
Next: 3. Allen Crabbe