Photo Source: [CB Game Central]
The Run Down
- 2007-08 Season Averages: 19.7ppg, 4apg, 2.7rpg
- Height: 6'3", Weight: 199lbs, Position: PG/SG, Class: Freshman
- 19 years old
- Best Case Comparisons: Monta Ellis, Hybrid of Gilbert Arenas/Jay Williams
- Worst Case Comparison: Louis Williams
- The Real Deal: Jerryd Bayless Frankenstein Style [FanHouse]
Strengths:
- Quickness
- Explosiveness
- First Step
- Complete Offensive Game
- Perimeter Shooting
- No defined position (is he a pg or a sg?)
- Decision-making
- Shot-Selection
- Defense against shooting guards
The point guard situation. If the Sonics do select Bayless, then the days of Luke Ridnour in a Sonics uniform are all but over. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Luke is moved during the draft to enable the Sonics to gain more draft picks in the future or move up in the first round as they also have a pick at #24.
Bayless would make an immediate impact and I could see him and Earl Watson sharing time in the backcourt throughout the season. Although I'd prefer to see a Derrick Rose-Durant combo, getting Jerryd Bayless is an adequate second option.
He completely destroyed the Washington Huskies this past year in Pac-10 conference play. He scored 26 his first time around and dropped 22 the second time. Like OJ Mayo he seems to have that killer instinct to score, but on the other hand bad shot selection and decision-making come as byproducts of that instinct. Fortunately, he's only a freshman and has a lot of potential to grow in his first couple years as an NBA player.
Conclusion: Although Bayless is a shoot-first point guard, I believe that he is the most logical and best value pick at #4 for the Sonics. He has tremendous upside and would make a great complement to Kevin Durant and other current players on the Sonics roster.
Sources: Draftexpress.com, nbadraft.net Sphere: Related Content
