Bazemore starting over after foot injury

Kent Bazemore is learning how to run, jump and shoot all over again.

The Hawks free-agent signee is recovering from April surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right foot. He, like center Al Horford, will be brought along slowly during training camp with the plan to be ready by opening night.

Bazemore said spending several years of his youth running track on concrete and asphalt tracks may have contributed to his foot injuries. He also missed time in college with a broken bone in his left foot at Old Dominion.

During his rehabilitation, Bazemore said has worked with trainers to strengthen his core and hamstrings and on improved technique.

“I ran track on asphalt for about six years,” Bazemore said. “How I’m able to be here now running at the highest level has amazed me. You start learning about the body and the different things that aren’t good for it – and concrete and asphalt don’t give at all. I ran track at a very high level for six years. For me to be able to walk right now says a lot. Your gluts and hammys, they act as shock absorbers. When I would land, my gluts weren’t strong enough to absorb that so when you land all the pressure is on the outside of your feet. I had a fifth metatarsal injury on my left foot in college so I guess that’s where it comes from. It’s good to know so I can work on it.”

While the Hawks are holding Bazemore out of contact, he is not far away from a full return. There are reports that the explosive Bazemore dunked over an undisclosed teammate during an open gym session in advance of training camp.