System understanding
Jerryd Bayless definitely understands the business side of the NBA, which is why he’s had no problems keeping up his level of play when he’s migrated to different teams. The Sixers will be the seventh team Bayless will be playing for in less than 10 years of experience.
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This is good for a few reasons.
First, we can be confident that Bayless is used to moving around, and won’t have problems joining a new team. This was one of the attractive parts of Ish Smith. When he re-joined the team shortly after Christmas this past season, he had no issues going from one team to another.
With the entire offseason to adjust to the new team, staff and teammates, Bayless should be well prepared for the start of the regular season.
The second reason an understanding of the system is important is because he can talk players through issues that may come up with the Sixers and their willingness to shop players around. Since the Sixers have a logjam in the frontcourt, there have been many rumors saying that the team would like to trade one of their big men. Nerlens Noel has been brought up several times, and that may be troubling on him.
Let’s say Nerlens is coming into this season feeling down that he saw his name brought up in trade rumors during the offseason. He may have thoughts that say, “well, why would I want to play for a team that doesn’t even want me?”
Bayless could step in to situations like this and put Noel’s mind at ease, reminding him that the NBA is a business, and that the team could still like him very much.
Next: Mix of experience and youth