Jerryd Bayless Update: Philadelphia 76ers PG Underwhelming
By Bret Stuter
Point Guard Jerryd Bayless cannot help the Philadelphia 76ers from the bench. But due to his wrist injury, that is where he will be for the foreseeable future.
Philadelphia 76ers Jerryd Bayless was a free agent signing in the 2016 off-season. As a matter of fact, he was the first free agent signed by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a hybrid… a guard who could run the offense at point, or play off-the-ball. In either case, he was assessed as a player who could defend and shoot from three point range.
With Ben Simmons on his way, the fit seemed good.
Bayless was the first of three signings in free agency. Gerald Henderson and Sergio Rodriguez were the other two backcourt veterans brought onboard.
I’ve had plenty to say about both Henderson and Rodriguez so far. Henderson has delivered on all fronts: defensive standout who can score. Mr. Passion intermingled with Mr. Dependability.
Sergio Rodriguez has delivered in other ways. His tenure with the 76ers is akin to John the Baptist paving the way for Jesus’ arrival. He’s prepping the team for circus style assists.
But Jerryd Bayless has not added passion to this team. He has not added circus style assists. He’s added one more headache for head coach Brett Brown. You see, as the season arrived, so did new of a torn ligament in his left wrist.
After sitting the first 11 games of the season, he did manage to take the floor against the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies, before reinjuring the wrist in a game against the Chicago Bulls. He has since missed an additional four games.