The Atlanta Hawks will have a new face at the starting small forward position as Kent Bazemore was chosen to replace DeMarre Carroll who signed with the Toronto Raptors in the offseason.
Unfortunately, Bazemore failed to have a strong impression in his first game as a starter for the Hawks in their 106–94 season opener loss to the Detroit Pistons last Tuesday.
Bazemore played 21 minutes having seven rebounds and one assist, but was unable to score a single point.
Before the opening of the regular season, the 26-year-old was expected to start since he took over the starting duties at the number three position during the preseason.
In a report by ESPN, Bazemore had this to say about being a starter, "Obviously, I've got some big shoes to fill."
Indeed he has, since Carroll was a crucial piece especially on defense for the success the Hawks had last season when they topped the East after the regular season and even reached the conference finals.
Meanwhile, Atlanta head coach Mike Budenholzer complimented Bazemore for the way he plays.
"He had a real caring way about him. And that's how he played. He cared about those around him. He gave us a heck of a two years," Budenholzer stated, according to ESPN.
Last season, Bazemore had the backup role, playing in 75 regular season games and averaging 5.2 points, three rebounds, and one assist per contest.
Before playing for the Hawks, Bazemore had stints with the Golden State Warriors, Santa Cruz Warriors of the Developmental League (D-League), and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The forward out of Old Dominion University will have the chance to bounce back in their next game this Thursday.
The Hawks will hit the road for their second game of the season when they take on the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden.
