Jerryd Bayless: 6'3, 199 Arizona, Freshman
Bayless was one of the premier offensive talents in the NCAA this year. Defenders must respect his NBA range while being aware he has the first step and dribbling skill to blow right by them. He uses jump stops in the lane to create space and finish or draw contact and get to the free throw line. How to defend when closing out on him is a guessing game, if not nearly futile. Defenders may as well try to deny him the ball on the wing.
That being said, he is not a traditional two-guard. He cannot effectively defend most NBA players at that position. We saw little of him at the point guard spot for the Wildcats, but this will be the question NBA teams will want to have answered. He tended to dominate the ball when in his possession, but with little other options at Arizona it is hard to blame him. If teammate Chase Budinger was not open, Bayless needed to become the aggressor at all times. The minutes demanded of him seemed to wear on him towards the season's end.
He should be a project worth the risk. If he can prove that he can run an offense, he can be a score-heavy point guard similar to Tony Parker with an added three-point threat.
NBA Comparison: Tony Parker
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