NBA Offseason 2013: Sophomore Surge

Dec 10, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Kent Bazemore (20) celebrates during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kent Bazemore, Guard, Golden State Warriors

Vitals: 6’5″, 201 lbs., 21 years old

2012-13 Stats: 2.0 points (.371/.294/0.614), 0.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists (0.3 turnovers), 0.3 steal, 0.1 block (0.4 foul) in 4.4 minutes (61 games)

Summer League: Las Vegas (1st Team

Rationale: Bazemore was the starting point guard on the Warriors’ championship winning Vegas squad. Obviously, Golden State’s actual starting point guard isn’t in danger of losing his job; Bazemore projects no higher than fourth guard off the bench. But after playing in 78 games last season, it was frightening to see Stephen Curry’s ankle flare up again. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he were less durable next season, or if coach Mark Jackson reduced his workload. Additionally, Bazemore can play the one, two or three. Jackson will find minutes for Bazemore because of his defense, but he also provides another ballhandler, enabling Golden State’s better shooters to spot up instead of wasting their energy creating their own shots. Bazemore has yet to demonstrate a consistent shot of his own (just 7 of 31 beyond the arc in Summer League), which may end up the difference between fringe contributor and rotation regular.