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.

 

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