Canzano: Getting Kent Bazemore from Atlanta did some things for Portland
The Trail Blazers acquired Atlanta Hawks wing Kent Bazemore yesterday in exchange for Evan Turner. Bazemore averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists last season for the Hawks.
Our own John Canzano loves the trade for Portland, he gave his thoughts on Oregon Live:
Bazemore is a better outside shooter than Turner. Shoots at a higher percentage, has made more, and on a given night is capable of helping punish defenses that over-commit to Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
Canzano likes that the Blazers now have an insurance policy in case they can’t resign Rodney Hood this summer:
One NBA executive told me on Monday that trading for Bazemore doesn’t allow free-agent Rodney Hood to “hold up” the Blazers this summer. Bazemore is a healthy insurance policy against Hood, who is likely to command more interest than Portland wants to deal with. I like the trade because it addressed that developing problem, head on.
He also likes how Bazemore can gel well with the Blazers:
Bazemore is a good defender and a great locker-room guy. When you hold it up in conjunction with the developing Zach Collins and the high-motor defensive-minded draft pick (Nassir Little), what forms is a Portland team that might be super interesting on defense at times next season.
Catch JC on the Bald Faced Truth on Tuesday for more of his thoughts on the trade.
Follow 102.9/750 The Game on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.