Kent Bazemore is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League. During his college years at Old Dominion University, he was recognized for his defensive prowess, winning the Lefty Driesell Award in 2011, an honor bestowed upon the top defensive player in college basketball.
Kent Bazemore was born on July 1, 1989.
Kent Bazemore redshirted his first year at Old Dominion University in 2007.
Kent Bazemore began playing for Old Dominion University as a freshman in 2008.
Kent Bazemore played his sophomore year at Old Dominion in 2009, where he became a key player for the Monarchs, averaging 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. The team also won the 2009 CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
During his junior year at Old Dominion University in 2010, Kent Bazemore received the Lefty Driesell Award, recognizing him as the best defensive player in college basketball.
In 2011, Kent Bazemore excelled during his junior year at Old Dominion, leading his team to become tournament champions and secure a place in the 2011 NCAA tournament. He showcased his skills by averaging career-highs of 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. His exceptional defensive performance earned him the title of CAA Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the Second Team All-Conference.
In 2011, before the start of his senior year at Old Dominion, Kent Bazemore was recognized for his talent and potential. He was named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year, a testament to his previous accomplishments and anticipated contributions to the team. Additionally, he garnered national attention by being selected as a preseason Mid-Major All-American by collegeinsider.com.
In 2012, Kent Bazemore, an undrafted rookie, signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour after his agent convinced the company of his potential. This deal provided Bazemore with a large amount of merchandise, which he used to build relationships within the Warriors organization, including with Stephen Curry. Bazemore then played a key role in persuading Curry to sign with Under Armour after Nike made some missteps. This move proved to be significant for both Bazemore and Under Armour. Bazemore secured a lucrative six-figure deal with Under Armour, a rare feat for a player of his status. Under Armour, recognizing Bazemore's influence, also signed a significantly larger apparel deal with Old Dominion University, Bazemore's alma mater.
Kent Bazemore began his professional basketball journey in 2012 after going undrafted in the NBA draft. He joined the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Orlando Summer League and showcased his skills with the Golden State Warriors during the Las Vegas Summer League. His performances earned him a contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 26, marking the beginning of his NBA career.
On March 15, 2013, Kent Bazemore achieved a season-high score of 14 points while playing for the Golden State Warriors against the Chicago Bulls. Despite his efforts, the Warriors faced a loss in this game.
Kent Bazemore rejoined the Golden State Warriors for the 2013 NBA Summer League and delivered a standout performance. His skills and contributions earned him a spot on the Summer League All-Tournament Team. The Warriors emerged victorious, claiming the Summer League championship title.
In 2013, Kent Bazemore played a significant, but undisclosed role in Stephen Curry's decision to sign with Under Armour, leaving his previous sponsor, Nike.
On February 1, 2014, Kent Bazemore was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors' NBA Development League affiliate. He was briefly recalled by the Golden State Warriors on February 2 but reassigned to Santa Cruz on February 11. His time with Santa Cruz was short-lived as he was recalled again by Golden State on February 12. These assignments and recalls reflect the team's efforts to provide him with development opportunities while also utilizing his skills at the NBA level when needed.
In a trade on February 19, 2014, Kent Bazemore, along with MarShon Brooks, was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Golden State Warriors received Steve Blake in exchange. This trade marked a significant point in Bazemore's career as he moved to a new team and sought to make his mark on the Lakers roster.
Kent Bazemore signed with the Atlanta Hawks on September 23, 2014. This move signaled a new chapter in his NBA journey, providing him with an opportunity to contribute to the Hawks' lineup and further develop his skills.
Kent Bazemore achieved a season-high of 20 points while playing for the Atlanta Hawks against the Charlotte Hornets on March 28, 2015. Despite his scoring effort, the Hawks were defeated by the Hornets with a final score of 115-100.
Kent Bazemore set a new career-high by scoring 25 points in a game against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2015. This impressive scoring performance contributed to the Atlanta Hawks' 114-99 victory over the Wizards.
On December 14, 2015, Kent Bazemore surpassed his previous career-high by scoring 28 points in a game against the Miami Heat. Despite his outstanding individual performance, the Atlanta Hawks narrowly lost to the Heat with a final score of 100-88.
In March 2016, ESPN writer Ethan Sherwood Strauss published a story about Under Armour's successful signing of Stephen Curry. The story revealed that Kent Bazemore played a significant role in persuading Curry to join Under Armour in 2013.
Kent Bazemore solidified his commitment to the Atlanta Hawks by re-signing with the team on July 7, 2016. This decision reflected his positive experience with the organization and his desire to continue contributing to their success.
Kent Bazemore showcased his scoring prowess by recording a season-high 25 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 8, 2016. This impressive performance highlighted his ability to compete against top-tier teams in the league.
At halftime of a game against VCU on December 10, 2016, Old Dominion University paid tribute to Kent Bazemore's basketball legacy. The university retired his No. 24 Monarchs jersey, solidifying his place in the institution's athletic history. Furthermore, he was inducted into the school's athletic Ring of Honor, a testament to his outstanding contributions to Old Dominion's basketball program.
On January 23, 2017, Kent Bazemore matched his season-high score of 25 points while facing off against the Los Angeles Clippers. This strong offensive performance demonstrated his consistency and ability to contribute significantly to the Atlanta Hawks' scoring efforts.
Kent Bazemore married Samantha Serpe in Asheville, North Carolina in 2017.
Kent Bazemore set a new career-high on March 2, 2018, by scoring 29 points in a game against his former team, the Golden State Warriors. Despite his exceptional individual effort, the Atlanta Hawks narrowly lost to the Warriors with a final score of 114-109.
Kent Bazemore delivered a remarkable performance on October 24, 2018, by scoring a career-high 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks. His exceptional offensive display propelled the Atlanta Hawks to a 111-104 victory.
Kent Bazemore matched his career-high score of 32 points on December 26, 2018, in a game against the Indiana Pacers. Despite his impressive scoring output, the Atlanta Hawks fell short, losing to the Pacers with a final score of 129-121.
Kent Bazemore made a strategic decision regarding his future with the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, 2019, by exercising his $19.2 million player option for the 2019-20 season. This choice demonstrated his desire to remain with the team and continue contributing to their efforts.
In a trade on June 24, 2019, Kent Bazemore was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Atlanta Hawks received Evan Turner in return. This trade marked another turning point in Bazemore's career, offering him a fresh start with a new team.
Kent Bazemore, along with Anthony Tolliver and two future second-round picks, was traded to the Sacramento Kings on January 20, 2020. The Portland Trail Blazers received Trevor Ariza, Wenyen Gabriel, and Caleb Swanigan in exchange. This trade marked Bazemore's third team in just over a year, showcasing the fluid nature of NBA rosters.
Kent Bazemore rejoined the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 2020, by signing a one-year contract. This move marked his second stint with the team where he began his NBA journey.
Kent Bazemore delivered a standout performance on February 17, 2021, by scoring a season-high 26 points against the Miami Heat. His contributions, including eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, were instrumental in securing a 120-112 overtime victory for the Golden State Warriors.
Kent Bazemore signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on August 6, 2021, marking another chapter in his NBA career as he joined a team with championship aspirations.
On January 28, 2022, Kent Bazemore, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, had a season-high game of 13 points against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his scoring effort, the Lakers suffered a close 114-117 loss.
Kent Bazemore signed with the Sacramento Kings on September 21, 2022, marking his second stint with the team. However, his time with the Kings was short-lived as he was waived on October 13.
On August 8, 2023, Kent Bazemore participated in a free agent workout organized by the Golden State Warriors. This workout provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn another chance to play for the team.
Kent Bazemore joined the Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, on January 28, 2024. This move reflected his determination to continue his basketball career and compete for a spot on an NBA roster.