Philadelphia 76ers’ Core: Ultimate Roster Analysis and Predictions

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) calls out a play during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless (19) calls out a play during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Jerryd Bayless

Status: Reserve Guard, can play point or off guard
Contracted Through:  2019
Current 2016-2017 Salary: estimated $9,000,000
Trade Value: He’s a reserve guard contracted for three years. In any trade, expect a solid reserve veteran.

Strengths:  Jerryd Bayless reminds me of Carl Landry’s play – solid consistent play either in 15 starts or in appearances coming off the bench. He has a nice shooting range, including shooting 43.7 percent  accuracy on three-point shots, which was fourth best in the NBA this season. He also scored with some accuracy from mid range.  His style affords him the option to play point or shooting guard.
Offense:  Last season, Bayless discovered an accurate three point shot. In fact, his perimeter shooting would have lead the 76ers by a comfortable margin.  Bayless can create his own shots, and in doing so can create opportunities to take the ball to the hoop or flip the ball over to a shooter or cut off man to pass the ball on to another open shooter.
Defense: Defensively, Bayless is slightly below average.  He can be beaten on one on ones but will fight to stay close.  He does work his hands onto the ball, resulting in generating a .9 steal per game statistic.

Weaknesses: Was last season a fluke, or the trend for Bayless? If the trend, the Philadelphia 76ers have gotten a bargain, as he can put up minutes off the bench to size up some three point shots, and return before the team can identify his presence on the court and run plays at him.
Offense: Consistency.  Can he shoot at a 43.7 percent clip this year?
Defense: Finding a way to limit his defensive shortfalls this season. The team has been working to improve defense at the perimeter, but Bayless does not appear to give the team much hope of progressing in that direction.

Probability of 2016-2017 Roster: 100 percent.  The team signed Bayless up for three years, and are in need of a perimeter shooter who can move and play point or shooting guard.  Bayless delivers on all counts.

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