The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Off Season Grades

By Bret Stuter

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Free Agency: Guard Jerryd Bayless

Jerryd Bayless was the first free agent signed by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 and it was a well disciplined three-year $27 Million deal.

The initial free agent signing was important for two reasons:  Bayless brings enough versatility to play as either that point guard with the ball, or off ball as a shooting guard, providing the 76ers with the flexibility to develop Ben Simmons in a point guard role at a natural pace.

Bayless has ties to 76ers President Bryan Colangelo from their Toronto Raptors’ days.  He brings 10.4 points per game from 42.3 percent shooting from the field, and 43.7 percent shooting from the perimeter, along with 2.7 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game on an average of 28.9 minutes.  That compares with outgoing point guard Ish Smith‘s 14.7 points per game on 40.5 percent shooting from the floor and 33.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc, along with 4.3 rebounds per game, and 7.0 assists per game on an average of 32.4 minutes per game.

It’s that accuracy at the arc which is the most compelling element.  Since Simmons can run the offense from the half court, Bayless will be tasked with sharing command, an aspect he can do very effectively.   With the team adding Sergio Rodriguez and already boasting very underrated and improving T.J. McConnell.

Areas Addressed by Transaction: Point  Guard, Perimeter Shooting, Wing, Defense, Veteran Leadership

Tranasaction Grade:   B+ – With a versatile, inexpensive, and veteran guard as the opening signing, Jerryd Bayless takes  a lot of pressure off the Philadelphia 76ers front office.  His flexibility of playing either guard position , plus his promising perimeter shooting, makes him a very good signing.

Next: Rodriguez