Shooting Guard: Jerryd Bayless
Coming off a wrist injury that limited him to just three games in his debut season as a part of the Philadelphia 76ers, Bayless will get a shot to prove his worth as the backup shooting guard. His experience and consistency are what makes him beat out Nik Stauskas for the job, but Sauce should crack the rotation as well. Bayless’ experience and consistency is what sets him apart here.
Even with the addition of Markelle Fultz, the Sixers still lack 3-point shooting. In 52 games in the 2015/16 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Bayless shot 43.7 percent from deep. Despite appearing in just three games as a Sixer last season, he hit his three-point shots at a 40 percent clip. The nine-year vet can also run point, but with McConnell beside him, Bayless will mainly be used as an outlet for dribble-drive plays and for an occasional isolation play.
Mentor Facilitator
In his best passing year, Bayless averaged four assists per game in 22.5 minutes, which is a solid tally for a secondary playmaker coming off the bench.
His experience will be vital to this young Sixers team, and he will be able to lead the second unit by example since he will be one of the top scoring options off the bench. At 28-years-old, he will be one of the oldest players on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, and his maturity will be vital to help calm the young players in tough situations, whether he is on or off the court.