Jerryd Bayless is Exactly What the Philadelphia 76ers Need

The Sixers brought in their first free agent of the offseason in Jerryd Bayless, and almost ideal fit for Philadelphia’s on-court needs and locker room culture.

It was reported early Friday morning that the Philadelphia 76ers agreed to terms on a contract with Jerryd Bayless. The deal, which can be signed as early as July 7th, is reportedly worth $27 million over the course of three seasons. The former Milwaukee Bucks backup and journeyman guard put up over 10 points per contest in reserve last season, and gives the Sixers a quick fix at a position they desperately needed one at.

The Sixers’ point guard search this offseason likely revolved around someone who could play well alongside Ben Simmons, which is why Bayless was a name we saw thrown around in the early stages. While he hasn’t been all that consistent from deep throughout his career, the 27-year-old shot 42 percent from deep last season, thriving as the type of spot-up shooter that could work off of Simmons’ and Philly’s bigs when he’s not taking on the role of main distributor.

Bayless is also a highly unselfish player who is more than willing to make the extra pass and could help keep the ball moving. He is a rotation that will likely be based highly around versatility and ball movement through the post. He won’t create his own offense much, but has a nice first step and can get into the teeth of the defense with intention of facilitating when needed. That allows him to contribute both as their primary ball handler when Simmons if off the court and as a viable off-ball scoring option when he is.

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Bayless doesn’t have the same athleticism that characterizes the 76ers’ current core, but he’s extremely aggressive on the defensive end and puts in the type of effort that should mold seamlessly into Brett Brown’s gritty culture. He runs around the court with vigor and seems to take on each defensive assignment with a personal sense of intensity. His goal to to disrupt the opposition as much as possible and aid the process of winning as much as possible, on both sides of the ball, and it tends to make him someone fan bases and coaching staffs enjoy having on their team.

In addition to his fit on the court, Bayless is a reasonably seasoned veteran who can help guide the younger facets of Philly’s rotation, while still retaining some upside moving forward as someone who is young enough to fit into their long term plan in some capacity.

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As somebody who is hard working and was far from overpaid in relation to the other contracts being given out thus far, it’s tough to find anything to complain about in regards to this signing. He’s the type of player that can provide a steady hand for a group of young talents attempting the thrust an entire franchise forward, and is an idealistic personality for that job.