Newcomers: Jerryd Bayless

On draft night the Blazers parted ways with up and down point guard Jarret Jack and drafted combo guard Jerryd Bayless. Bayless played only one season at Arizona before declaring for the NBA draft. While his college numbers do not scream starting pg in the NBA (4 to 3 on the assist to turnover ratio) a closer look is more telling in the role he will play on the Blazers. Averaging 19 points a game is great for a freshman in the Pac-10, and more importantly getting to the free throw line 7 times a game.

Getting to the line is one of those stats that playoff teams thrive on. Bayless proved in the Summer League he is not afraid to attack the rim averaging an unheard of 15 fta a game. Watching a few of these games it became apparent that his game is more suited to the NBA style. Defenders will have a hard time guarding him and the more spread out play and larger courts are only going to strengthen his strong points. As long as he doesn't fall in love with the 3 point shot Bayless should be a hard player to stop. His biggest fault seems to be his passing ability but with many young non-pure point guards it will be something he will learn as he goes along.

Defensively he is quick but gambles a lot. His physical skills all point to him being able to become a very solid defender, mostly it will be his dedication to this that will come into question. Playing for coach Nate McMillan if his defense isn't up to par he won't get the minutes he wants (just ask Sergio Rodriguez).

The untangibles are what is most impressive about Bayless. He wanted to win, and he wanted to win badly in those summer league games, and yeah they are just summer league games so that tells you something about him. Against Phoenix he took it upon himself to get the win, and this fearlessness is not something that many players have. A player that looks like he loves playing and more importantly, winning, is one that is coachable. With the team he is heading into he should bring a more consistant energy and tenacity that Jarret Jack couldn't bring with the 2nd unit. Don't be surprised to find Bayless starting come playoff time though, as Steve Blake is more suited as a backup PG that can bring a calming and veteran presence with the 2nd unit that will be sorely lacking such.