I thought since I’ve watched countless games of his and known the kid since his freshman year of high school, that I’d provide some info for you guys both on his game and his personality.
As a person, he is really quiet and soft spoken. He seems to blend in well with teammates off the court and doesn’t really standout. On the court he is all business. He normally is never smiling. He plays with a confidence that borders cockiness. He is very emotional and takes his game to different levels when he feels angered or challenged.
He played one game a few years ago in high school and one writer nicknamed him the “Hulk”. One of the opposing players was looking to make a name for himself and began talking to Jerryd after scoring. Bad Move. Bayless responded by hitting numerous jumpers and then dunking on the team. After every shot, he had something to say to the kid that was talking to him. This prompted the writer to say “You don’t want to see him when he’s mad.” This has happened plenty of times and I just couldn’t understand why people wouldn’t let sleeping dogs lie.
From a basketball standpoint, Bayless has a great work ethic and works on all parts of his game. He is good shooter who does a good job of squaring up to the basket on his shots both on the catch and off the dribble. He gets great elevation. He has the best mid range game of any player in this draft. He is a great athlete who is an acrobat in the air. Defensively he has quick feet and can stay with some of quicker players. His handle is adequate and his pg skills are underrated. Very clutch player who thrives in the spotlight and in big moments.
A couple of places he struggles is getting through screens on defense and finishing in traffic. He doesn’t seem to elevate as high in traffic. He settles too much for jump shots at times. Also he isn’t as good of a rebounder as he should be. His ball handling needs continued work to be full time pg as well.
From a comparison standpoint, he plays a lot like Jason Williams except taller. He excels in the halfcourt like Williams did at pick and roll and shooting. In transition, he is really explosive tough to keep away from basket and is a great passer.
His intangibles are what will make him good. He is vocal leader who will get on his teammates and I think you guys are missing that. Also he is tough competitor and relentless worker who will stick in the NBA on this alone.
Good Luck to the Blazers now that you guys have three of my favorite players on your team(Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez, and Jerryd Bayless). I guess you guys are my 3rd team along with the Bulls(hometown) and Lakers(Kobe fan).
Here's a video for you guys
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Jerryd Bayless Breakdown
Mike Rice is an Ol' School Pimp!
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