Seattle Supersonics Draft Candidates: Jerryd Bayless

After taking a look at Brook Lopez we move on to the next potential Sonics draft pick, Jerryd Bayless.

The Rundown

• 2007-08 Season Averages: 19.7 ppg, 4 apg, 2.7 rpg
• Height: 6'3", Weight: 199 lbs, Position: PG/SG, Class: Freshman
• 19 years old
• Best Case Comparisons: Monta Ellis, Hybrid of Gilbert Arenas/Jay Williams
• Worst Case Comparison: Louis Williams
• The Real Deal: Jerryd Bayless Frankenstein Style [FanHouse]
  

Strengths

• Quickness
• Explosiveness
• First Step
• Complete Offensive Game
• Perimeter Shooting

Weaknesses

• No defined position (is he a PG or an SG?)
• Decision Making
• Shot Selection
• Defense against shooting guards

My take: Jerryd Bayless is projected by several experts to go to to the Sonics with the fourth overall pick (more than eight mock drafts have him going to the Sonics).  The Sonics need a point guard and Bayless provides the answer.

If the Sonics do select Bayless, then the days of Luke Ridnour in a Sonics uniform are all but over.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if Luke is moved during the draft to enable the Sonics to gain more draft picks in the future, or to move up in the first round as they also have a pick at No. 24.

Bayless would make an immediate impact, and I could see him and Earl Watson sharing time in the backcourt throughout the season.  Although I'd prefer to see a Derrick Rose-Durant combo, getting Jerryd Bayless is an adequate second option.

He completely destroyed the Washington Huskies this past year in Pac-10 conference play.  He scored 26 his first time around and dropped 22 the second time.

Like OJ Mayo he seems to have that killer instinct to score, but on the other hand his bad shot selection and decision making come as byproducts of that instinct.  Fortunately, he's only a freshman and has a lot of potential to grow in his first couple of years as an NBA player.

Conclusion: Although Bayless is a shoot-first point guard, I believe that he is the most logical and best value pick at No. 4 for the Sonics.  He has tremendous upside and would make a great complement to Kevin Durant and other current players on the Sonics roster.

NBA Draft 2008 Prospect Jerryd Bayless
by Grdgez

Sources: Draftexpress.com, nbadraft.net