After making the Westchester Knicks via a team tryout, Jaylen Bond had a solid rookie season in the NBA G League. How did Bond perform during the season?
In the final two years of his collegiate career, Jaylen Bond played at Temple. During those two seasons, the program went 47-23 while making an appearance in the NIT Tournament in 2015 and NCAA Tournament in 2016.
Bond played a significant role during the 2015-16 season. The Norristown, PA native ranked in the top four on the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes played in his senior season.
After a five-year collegiate career— he sat out during 2013-14 season to transfer from Texas to Temple— Bond started his professional career in the NBA G League with the Westchester Knicks. Bond made the team through a team tryout.
Upon joining the Westchester Knicks, Bond had the opportunity to continue his basketball dreams close to home.
“Just having that family support as many games as they try to come to. It’s great,” Jaylen Bond said in November of 2016. “I look forward to every game just noticing my family in the stands and some games is an addition to.”
Outside of two years at Texas, Jaylen Bond played his high school ball at Plymouth-Whitemarsh and spent his final two collegiate years at Temple in Pennsylvania.
Throughout the season, Bond had many productive games. Even with the assignment players being assigned to the team, Bond was able to contribute to the team in many ways. The Temple product came out of the gate on a high note by being a factor on the offensive glass. In the season opener, Bond totaled 12 points and six rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench.
The Knicks knew Bond was going to have a huge presence in the rebounding department, as he led Temple in rebounding (8.5) and was fifth in the American Athletic Conference in rebounds per game during the 2015-16 season.
Throughout the season, Jaylen Bond improved his offensive game and stepped out on the perimeter. He worked on his 3-point shooting, which was seen during the Knicks’ game against the Canton Charge. The 6-foot-8 forward was able to drain a few catch-and-shoot threes while having his most efficient game from 3-point range.
Of those who played at least 20 games, Bond was fourth on the team in shooting, as he shot 47.5 percent from the field.
In college, Bond never shot above 22 percent from 3-point range. In his rookie season, he took great strides with his 3-point shots. While he didn’t take many 3-pointers (36) during his year in Westchester, he shot it better than he did during his four years in college. During the season, Bond shot 38.9 percent from deep.
One of Jaylen Bond’s most efficient shooting games came at the midway point of the season against the Canton Charge during the NBA G League Showcase. Not only did the Temple product play a huge role off the bench— he totaled 21 of the bench’s 62 points— but he shot the ball well from beyond the arc. Bond recorded 21 points, nine rebounds, and two assists on 9-of-17 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from deep.
In the final game of the season, Bond set many career highs (minutes played, points, field goals made and field goals attempted). In that game against the Long Island Nets, he finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on 11-of-23 shooting from the field in 38 minutes of action.
In 45 games, Jaylen Bond averaged 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds on 47.5 shooting from the field in 18.6 minutes per game.
After posting those numbers, the Temple product stated he’s always looking to improve and be the best player he can be.
“Personally, I really can’t put a grade on it cause there’s always stuff I want to improve on, but I would say around a B,” Bond said. “But of course, I want to always improve. Just be the best player I can be both on and off the court.”
Even after totaling five double-doubles, Bond said he sets high expectations for himself.
“I set high expectations for myself,” Bond concluded. “There’s always more that I want to accomplish.”
On May 8, 2017, Jaylen Bond participated in the NBA G League Elite Mini Camp.
Must Read: Jaylen Bond: Continuing Basketball Life Close To Home
Jaylen Bond had a productive rookie season with the Westchester Knicks. He had an impact on the glass and was able to develop his offensive game. Even though he didn’t take many 3-pointers, Bond was efficient with the shots he attempted.
If Jaylen Bond chooses to return to Westchester next season, he will have an opportunity to take his game to a higher level.