Bryan Colangelo, The Doctor Will See You Now
Event I: Jerryd Bayless Health
The Philadelphia 76ers have not had a good track record with transparency historically. In fact, the team indicated Bryan Colangelo arrived to improve upon that history. The first indication of trouble wasconflicting messages by the team’s handling of free agent veteran Jerryd Bayless. From the moment he arrived, Bayless complained about a sore wrist.
That “sore wrist” turned into a season ending injury. As a matter of fact, that injury kept Bayless out for nearly the entire season. While I understand a player’s desire to play, the Philadelphia 76ers communication on Bayless always appeared to be after-the-fact discussion.
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Free Agency Disguised
There is no way in denying that Bayless was the linchpin of the team’s free agent strategy. Signed to a three-year deal, Bayless was that versatile guard who would run the point, play off-ball, and get the team through the challenging first months until Ben Simmons could be ready.
Unfortunately for the 76ers, Bayless never assumed any role for the team, causing fans to question. Was the team strategy sound? And in the end, did anyone vet Bayless for potential injury? Did the team sign an injured free agent trying to mask his injury from the public?