Bayless falling?

by parkinglotj on Jun 24, 2008 10:21 AM PDT Comment 26 comments

From the New York Post today. (sorry couldn't link the source)

"There are rumblings Seattle, which was linked to Bayless, may opt for Westbrook instead. Indeed, one personnel director told The Post Bayless may sink the most Thursday night.

"He may be the best individual defender in the draft, on the perimeter anyway," ESPN Draft analyst Jay Bilas said yesterday of Westbrook. "He's got a lot to offer. He's a real hungry kid. He's worthy of a lottery selection, just a question of how high. ""

This caught my eye from the Draft Express profile.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jerryd-Bayless-1067/

"Defensively, Bayless shows a lot of potential, not just with his tools, but with the commitment he’s displayed to competing on this end of the floor. He has excellent lateral quickness, clearly having received some solid coaching on this part of his game early on his career. His awareness isn’t always the best (looking a bit lost trying to find his man in transition for example), and he lacks some strength to get through screens defending the pick and roll at times—taking too wide an angle to avoid contact, but considering his age and huge offensive role on the team, it’s hard to nitpick too much here.

There is a caveat, though, as considering his size, he’d almost certainly be better off guarding point guards than shooting guards, which again brings up the fact that he’ll need to be drafted by the right team (with the right guard next to him) to really reach his full potential. He won’t be a perfect fit for everyone, but if he finds the right situation, Bayless has 20 point per game plus potential in the NBA if he continues to progress."

KP targets players, then goes and gets them. This guy, above any other player in the draft (except Rose), seems to complement Roy. I've never considered him because I thought that 1-4 picks were set in stone. If he makes it to #5, I would do that Raef and #13 for Collins, Cardinal and #5 deal in a second. I'd even throw in Webster and I don't want to see him go.

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Workout?

My only concern is that he seems like the least PG-skilled out of all these combo guards. That said, and knowing we have Roy, I’d still love to get Bayless. Say we get to #5 with the RLEC trade. Would KP be comfortable taking him based on scouting and without ever coming in for a workout? Or would he go with his specific target from the workouts like Augustin or Westbrook (if he’s still there for some reason)? I think I would still prefer Westbrook who might not be as good but seems to fit a lot better, although he would probably be gone if Bayless is still there (based on this rumor). After that, Bayless is the next choice for stated reasons and then Augustin assuming that KP saw that he can compensate for his size. Hopefully the trade goes through and we end up with one of these guys.

by amitp06 on Jun 24, 2008 11:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I haven't seen him play at all

but I’ve read in Chad Forde’s mock drafts that he has the best pg skills of all the combo guards.

"My, that is a handsome fella. He must be the offspring of a Greek God!" - Bill Walton calling a Clipper's-Laker's game as Luke Walton checks in.

by JTDuck22 on Jun 24, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Just goes to show you that you can’t beat watching the games personally. I haven’t seen him much either since I don’t watch a lot of college ball; I was going off the few scouting reports I’ve read. They didn’t specifically mention his PG ability, but in terms of PG skills like passing and awareness, he didn’t seem that great. But I have no problem believing that I’m wrong about that since I haven’t seen him play a game. Anyone want to elaborate? In any case, that’s great news if he can play the point well. I do remember reading that he was excellent with ballhandling and had the quickness and athleticism to play PG.

by amitp06 on Jun 24, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seen him play MANY times

Of the COMBO guards if you will, yes he has fantastic skills. For a pure point guard, his skills are just average. Think Arenas. Same type of player. He would be an excellent complement to Roy, and can bring the ball up. Ballhandling is very good, passing not quite so good, and his D is great.

by RememberRastaMonsta! on Jun 24, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

a little ironic...

I don’t know if he is the least skilled pg or not, but he was the only one of these “combo” guards to play the majority of the season at point guard.

by The Graduate on Jun 24, 2008 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just a quick comment....

quit getting hung up on pg’s playing off the ball… the most important quality of a point gaurd is court vision.

by BroyTheTruth on Jun 24, 2008 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's the kind of thing, you either have it, or you don't

by BroyTheTruth on Jun 24, 2008 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watched him all year at Arizona...

Bayless is the most passionate competitor in this class – hands down. Plus, he’s the BEST pure shooter in the draft, period. His game is 15-20 footers and getting to the foul line. Good ball handler, decent passer, stronger than most guards in the draft.

Downside: he got frustrated pretty easily when teams would double-team him or when he got fouled, but the refs didn’t call it. He’s pretty athletic, but he got swatted a lot when he took it inside against the big guys. His Defense is just okay, not great. He struggled to get good shots in head to head match ups against OJ Mayo and Kyle Weaver (the real best defender in the nation).

Bottom line: his work ethic, physical strength and competitive attitude would be great for this Portland team. Trade #13 pick, Channing or Jack or Martell or a combination of 3 of these.

by Lute Olson is my hero on Jun 24, 2008 11:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

best pure shooter in the draft?

any evidence for this (such as shooting percentages)? Jaycee Carroll is in the draft and shot 49.8% on threes. Bayless shot 40.7%. Perhaps you meant you think he’s the best 15-20 ft jump shooter among probable lottery players?

I like Bayless a lot but let’s keep things realistic.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jun 24, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

close...

bayless is definitely not the best pure shooter in the draft, but he’s definitely the best shot-creator in the draft. he easily separates from defenders and has a nice jump shot that’s almost unblockable.

by futurenba23 on Jun 24, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

forgot about Carroll...

I mean forGET about Carroll… and any other worthless player like him. Bayless’ shot is pure… “JJ Redick type players” who will do NOTHING in the NBA don’t count. When Bayless wasn’t being double-teamed, playing point, or carrying the team on his shoulders – he was the purest shooter next to Dell Curry’s kid.

Keeping it real… Carroll looks great when ALL HE DOES is spot up an shoot. You switch shoes with him and Bayless and the stats would also flip flop.

by Lute Olson is my hero on Jun 24, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just trying for accuracy

Jason Kapono is a phenomenal pure shooter but that doesn’t mean you take him in the lottery. You also don’t refer to Dwyane Wade as a pure shooter, but you still love having him on tour team.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jun 24, 2008 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to pick up Kapono

and leave his contract behind.

Bayless gets ridiculous lift on his J, and squares his shoulders well, similar to our very own BRoy (form only), but he’s a better shooter than Roy.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Jun 24, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A KYLE WEAVER REFERENCE!

+1 my friend!

Can I go on record saying that the Blazers should use one of their 17 million second round draft picks on Kyle Weaver? I was right about “Big Baby” Davis last year…

"Now, you take a bobcat or a Jayhawk. You know they'll run if you give 'em the chance. But when one don't run, why, you shoot him and shoot him quick. Raef's my dog, Pa. I've gotta do what's right..." Old Yeller (1957)

by RoyGoesTheDynamite on Jun 24, 2008 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

go Cougs!

Weaver got screwed by the PAC 10 choosing Westbrook as the Defensive POY. If we can pickup Weaver at any point in the 2nd round – TAKE HIM!! I’ve followed him for the last 3 years.

Awesome team attitude, hard worker, decent ball handler and passer, he’s always in the right place, long arms, good leadership skills.

He’ll contribute right away on Defense… kind of reminds me of Scotty Pippen. Not as athletic, but he’s not un-athletic. He’s a steal in the 2nd round.

by Lute Olson is my hero on Jun 24, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

I would say he’s like Scottie Pippen in that he plays basketball, and also plays multiple positions, but Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players of all time and Kyle Weaver is a very good piece on a very good college basketball team. Beyond that, I think he’s a role player, who in the right situation could be very good.

I’m curious about Weaver in the NBA because normally, the great defenders at the college level struggle because everything is so much faster in the NBA. Undersized players especially (COREY BREWER) who could frustrate “college-sized” players don’t seem to have the same effect on the bigger players of the NBA. Weaver, however, is ideally sized to guard the opponents top scorer, whether its a PG, SG, or SF…

I also like Derrick Low, but not necessarily as a Blazer. I hope he makes a splash in the NBA.

by RoyGoesTheDynamite on Jun 24, 2008 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defense

A lot of times, in the NBA, defense equates to effort. It takes discipline and energy to play great defense, and most players simply don’t put in the effort. They’d rather use the energy on the offensive end of the floor. Not always, but often. Some players either just don’t get it (conceptually), or are too slow laterally.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Jun 24, 2008 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry I'm having link problems

I thought that it was interesting that he is a guard that plays well off the ball. That is so important when placing a player next to Roy. So from what I can tell, he fits every criteria that we have been debating all year.

Potential to be a great, quick perimeter defender.
The ability to guard the apposing PG.
He can bring the ball up court, relieving Roy of that responsibility for 1/2 the game.
Bayless is a great 3pt shooter.
And he can play away from Roy without the ball.

I’ve also read that he’s a tireless worker, unselfish and a team player. (I hope this info is right)

by parkinglotj on Jun 24, 2008 11:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

All of those are yes'

by RememberRastaMonsta! on Jun 24, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Good to read some more information from here and other sites. I love the fact that he’ll be able to hit shots, exactly what we need. Along with his ballhandling ability and playing off the ball, he’s the perfect sidekick on offense. Sounds like he’ll be able to keep up on defense, although never really becoming a lockdown defender. My only question is.. are his playmaking abilities good enough?

by amitp06 on Jun 24, 2008 12:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Earlier, Bayless was a Top 3 projection...

...and after the lottery (he’d be a bad fit in Minny, who already has Randy Foye), many had him pegged to go to the Soonerics at #4.

In the Simmons/Ford mock draft, happening here as I type this, they’re currently at #11; and Bayless hasn’t been picked yet. Not that this means anything, but I’m not sure why he’s fallen. Bad workouts?

by EngineerScotty on Jun 24, 2008 12:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Simmons (picking for Indy)

just took Bayless at #11.

DJ Augustin is still on the board on that mock, too…

by EngineerScotty on Jun 24, 2008 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

DJ is the second best PG. I’d totally snag him.

Facts are overrated, so don’t ask me to back that assessment up.

Ford: Bill, you're claiming victory already? Have you had a "Mission Accomplished" banner printed yet?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624

by ratbastird on Jun 24, 2008 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you back that up please?

oops

by RememberRastaMonsta! on Jun 24, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Bayless..

I hope he keeps falling. I think he would be a great fit next to Roy, or as a scorer/shooter off the bench if Rudy proves he is the yin to Roys yang…

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Jun 24, 2008 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If we DO get Bayless

Somehow (he wont be there at 13 but he could slip, we should be celebrating like no tomorrow. We will have a starting 5 locked up that could do some serious damage.

by RememberRastaMonsta! on Jun 24, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs