Jerryd Bayless, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Guard
Age: 27 (8/20/1988)
Slash Line: .423/.437/.778
Season Averages: 28.9 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.9 3PM
One of the most deadly shooters in the NBA is one of the most overlooked free agents on the open market. Despite being able to play and defend both guard positions, Jerryd Bayless is something of an afterthought in free agency discussions.
Even more egregious is the manner in which his development as a shooter has been ignored.
A career 36.5 percent shooter from 3-point range, Bayless elevated his game in 2015-16. He made 101 3-point field goals in just 52 games, shooting an outstanding 43.7 percent from beyond the arc.
The 6’3″ Bayless finished the 2015-16 season at No. 5 in 3-point field goal percentage.
Bayless won’t be a top target in free agency, but he’d be a smart short-term addition once the starting lineup has been solidified. He’s built for the role of a sixth man as a capable playmaker who can space the floor and create penetration.
Bayless is the type of player New York needs to legitimize its second unit.
Next: Elite 3-Point Shooter