Eggers on (Nate on) Bayless

[Reep]

Tribune

Okay, I may be losing faith in Nate.

“He has come into camp and worked hard trying to do the things we’re asking him to do, which is apply pressure offensively, be aggressive, attack and make good decisions with the ball. He’s a very focused young player who is determined to be a part of this thing.”

But, McMillan says, “at the point, we’re going to lean toward Blake first, Sergio and then Jerryd. They’re competing for minutes. Jerryd knows it, and he’s working his butt off to get out there and get into the rotation.”

Maybe it's just that Sergio has been here and is trying somewhat. But, I have a hard time seeing Sergio even in this race.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

Bayless is not a pure PG.

 

[Reep]

Bayless is not a pure PG.

That has not been proven. At AZ, after starting at PG he was asked to play SG mid-season because their second best guard was also a PG. Before he switched he lead the Pac-10 in assists at 6+ per game (about four more than Rose at the same time). Just because a guy can score, doesn't mean he can't also be a good PG.

Either way, he's still a better point guard than Sergio R__riguez. (He doesn't have any O or any D).

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

from what I've seen in summer league. just seems more like a SG, then PG.

 

[Reep]

from what I've seen in summer league. just seems more like a SG, then PG.

Yeah, but remember that in Summer league Nate told him to be aggressive and score--that is all. PK was supposed to be the point. When you watch the practice scrimmages, Bayless is penetrating and dishing a lot on offense, and up in the guys shirt on defense.

From todays practice, Nate said (according to OLive):

While Blake is out, McMillan said Sergio Rodriguez would initially assume Blake's starting position, ahead of rookie Jerryd Bayless. But, McMillan added, he would continue to evaluate the position and explore his options.

So maybe things aren't so set in stone.

 

[rocketeer]

Bayless is not a pure PG.

who cares?

 

[eyeDK]

Today on the Quick chat, Jason said Sergio is the 2nd string point guard. He also said the players agree that Sergio is the best pure point guard after Blake. Sergio's shot is much improved this year. Jason said Brandon was getting on players telling them to guard Sergio more. In practice Bayless has seen a lot of pressure and he over dribbles the ball. Quick said the players are not happy with how long it is taking Bayless to pass the ball.

 

[Reep]

Today on the Quick chat, Jason said Sergio is the 2nd string point guard. He also said the players agree that Sergio is the best pure point guard after Blake. Sergio's shot is much improved this year. Jason said Brandon was getting on players telling them to guard Sergio more. In practice Bayless has seen a lot of pressure and he over dribbles the ball. Quick said the players are not happy with how long it is taking Bayless to pass the ball.

After his total colapse last year, and his attitude that the problem wasn't himself, I'm having a hard time picturing Sergio as part of this team. However, if he really hustles on D, and can find any consistancy in his shot, and can figure out how to drive past all the guys who sag off him, them maybe. I still think Bayless is much more motivated and athletic, and will pass Sergio up very shortly.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

who cares?

"at the point, we’re going to lean toward Blake first, Sergio and then Jerryd"

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Yeah, but remember that in Summer league Nate told him to be aggressive and score--that is all. PK was supposed to be the point. When you watch the practice scrimmages, Bayless is penetrating and dishing a lot on offense, and up in the guys shirt on defense.

From todays practice, Nate said (according to OLive):


So maybe things aren't so set in stone.

I'm with xericx on this in that Bayless looked like a SG more than a PG during summer league. You make a good point about Bayless being asked to score. But I remeber one game they gave him the PG duties and it didn't look so good in the 1st half. Of course he came out the 2nd half looking to score and was effective in that half.

But all I read are good things about Bayless, he is confident, professional and hard working. So maybe be does work himself into a good NBA PG, but from what I saw in SL, he looks like a SG to me.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

I like this better. If Sergio is shooting the ball better and putting in a good effort on D, he should be our 2nd stringer. Chemistry-wise the connection between Sergio and the 2nd unit is more advanced, especially with Rudy in there.

But, there's a more important reason. Trade value. Sergio's stock is terribly low. If he can increase is league-wide value, and contribute to the team's success, that's a no brainer.

Bayless will need to wait his turn.

 

[Reep]

I'm with xericx on this in that Bayless looked like a SG more than a PG during summer league. You make a good point about Bayless being asked to score. But I remeber one game they gave him the PG duties and it didn't look so good in the 1st half. Of course he came out the 2nd half looking to score and was effective in that half.

Of course the other part of this is that Bayless had absolutely nobody to pass to. There wasn't an ounce of talent on the front line. Whenever he did make a nice pass it fell off hands of brick.

 

[eyeDK]

Quick said Sergio has that hop to his step that he lost last season. That basketball looks to be fun for him again.

Quick thinks Nate is trying to brake Bayles by applying a lot of defensive pressure to him. Bayles and coach had at least a 5 minute talk after practice and Bayles didn't look too happy. Still, Bayless looks to be an above average defender. It seems the minutes Bayles gets this year will be because of his defense. Personally, I'm more interested in how Bayles will look halfway though the season versus now.

 

[Tortimer]

I don't care if Bayless is a pure PG. How many teams have a pure PG maybe 5-10 at the most. Bayless can play PG perfect IMO with Roy and even Rudy. He can defend the smaller faster PG's, bring the ball up under pressure and can learn to be a PG with passing as good Blake or Jack have been. Roy doesn't even really want a true PG to take the ball away from him all the time. Roy does need someone to bring the ball up court under pressure and guard the tough fast small PG's which Bayless would be perfect. I can see Nate setting himself up as a scapegoat when we struggle with playing Sergio instead of Bayless. Sure Bayless is a rookie and will make mistakes and has to learn to setup Oden, LMA etc. but it would be crazy if Sergio was ahead of Bayless for very long(maybe the first or second game) unless Sergio really really improved his game.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Of course the other part of this is that Bayless had absolutely nobody to pass to. There wasn't an ounce of talent on the front line. Whenever he did make a nice pass it fell off hands of brick.

However Bayless had plenty of capable players to pass to on the US Olympic Select Team, in scrimmages, and now in Training Camp.

I'd say the coaching staff has seen enough to determine whether Bayless is a set-up guy or a scorer. I'm sure Bayless could be a decent distributor, but his strength is putting the ball in the bucket and getting to the line .... at least from what we've seen and heard so far.

 

[Reep]

I guess it's lucky for Sergio that Blake and Roy are somewhat limited. If you put Sergio in the starting lineup with Roy, Sergio becomes a Kerr type shooting PG, which is not his strength. If they end up puting Sergio and Rudy in for major minutes, that should help Sergio on several levels.

If Blake were to be out significant games, I would rather see Nate do like he did with Oulaw last year. That is, leave Sergio in the second unit and move the 3rd string (Bayless) temporarily to the starter. I never liked seeing Sergio and Roy in at the same time. Sergio just doesn't know what to do if he doesn't have the ball in his hands.

 

[noknobs]

After his total colapse last year, and his attitude that the problem wasn't himself, I'm having a hard time picturing Sergio as part of this team. However, if he really hustles on D, and can find any consistancy in his shot, and can figure out how to drive past all the guys who sag off him, them maybe. I still think Bayless is much more motivated and athletic, and will pass Sergio up very shortly.

I don't think that was ever a very accurate portrayal of the situation. Sergio reportedly worked extremely hard this off-season and worked on his weaknesses, of which there have been many. That doesn't sound like someone who thinks he's not at least partially at fault. At this point he knows the system and the players better and he's probably a better distributor than Bayless, so I have no problem with this.

I wouldn't worry, if Bayless really is this good, Nate will play him, eventually.

 

[rocketeer]

"at the point, we’re going to lean toward Blake first, Sergio and then Jerryd"

right. i asked who cares is bayless was a pure pg or not.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Bayless can play PG perfect IMO with Roy and even Rudy. He can defend the smaller faster PG's, bring the ball up under pressure and can learn to be a PG with passing as good Blake or Jack have been. Roy doesn't even really want a true PG to take the ball away from him all the time. Roy does need someone to bring the ball up court under pressure and guard the tough fast small PG's which Bayless would be perfect. I can see Nate setting himself up as a scapegoat when we struggle with playing Sergio instead of Bayless. Sure Bayless is a rookie and will make mistakes and has to learn to setup Oden, LMA etc. but it would be crazy if Sergio was ahead of Bayless for very long(maybe the first or second game) unless Sergio really really improved his game.

I think it's important to factor in the difficult teams Portland's playing next month. Maybe Nate, at this time, doesn't feel comfortable bringing a 2nd-unit backcourt consisting of Bayless and Fernandez. If the 2nd unit is looking good right now with Rodriguez and Fernandez then lets roll with it.

Let's not forget that Frye looked terrible his 2nd season in New York. Much the same way Sergio looked last season. Frye reinvented himself. Maybe Sergio can as well.

 

[Tortimer]

I think it's important to factor in the difficult teams Portland's playing next month. Maybe Nate, at this time, doesn't feel comfortable bringing a 2nd-unit backcourt consisting of Bayless and Fernandez. If the 2nd unit is looking good right now with Rodriguez and Fernandez then lets roll with it.

Let's not forget that Frye looked terrible his 2nd season in New York. Much the same way Sergio looked last season. Frye reinvented himself. Maybe Sergio can as well.

I will wait and see with Sergio this year but unless he really improved his shot and half court PG decisions it isn't the right thing to do and Nate is going to be under fire from the start of the season.

 

[AgentDrazenPetrovic]

right. i asked who cares is bayless was a pure pg or not.

A team or fan that wants a pure point guard running the team. Such as Nate McMillan. In my very limited time watching bayless, he often doesn't look to run the offense, but to attack the hoop..then he gets stopped and loses his dribble and faces a double team.

I don't know what kind of basketball scheme you enjoy, but a team without a true point/floor general type who will command and direct the offense....its just not my personal cup of tea.

To me, Bayless mimics a lot of the things that roy does, but is a bit faster and more offensive minded. To me, Roy would make a better point than Bayless would.

 

[BlayZa]

im ok with it, whoever plays has to earn the spot - if sergio is ahead of him in that , well so be it. the cream rises to the top so it'll ultimately sort itself out.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

In practice Bayless has seen a lot of pressure and he over dribbles the ball. Quick said the players are not happy with how long it is taking Bayless to pass the ball.

Here is the key for me as to whether Bayless should be put in at point or not - does he make the offense flow and move and are the others comfortable with him or not? If not, Sergio should get time ahead of him IN THAT POSITION. It doesn't mean Bayless shouldn't get spot time there or time in other positions but it doesn't sound like he is ready to play PG.

Sure he may be able to defend other PG's and can shoot but if he can't get the offense moving, he shouldn't be there. If, as may be the case, Roy runs the offense better than Bayless, then make Roy the PG and put Bayless in at SG. Don't put Bayless in a position where he, as a rookie, may fail and shake his confidence.

If Sergio has truly improved his game as has been intimated, then make him second fiddle at PG and let him either prove that he doesn't deserve it or let Bayless prove that he deserves to be the backup PG. This is not about who has the better individual skills, but who makes the team as a whole better when they are on the floor.

Gramps...

 

[rocketeer]

A team or fan that wants a pure point guard running the team. Such as Nate McMillan. In my very limited time watching bayless, he often doesn't look to run the offense, but to attack the hoop..then he gets stopped and loses his dribble and faces a double team.

I don't know what kind of basketball scheme you enjoy, but a team without a true point/floor general type who will command and direct the offense....its just not my personal cup of tea.

To me, Bayless mimics a lot of the things that roy does, but is a bit faster and more offensive minded. To me, Roy would make a better point than Bayless would.

roy is going to be the primary ballhandler in the halfcourt anyway, so bayless doesn't need to be a pure pg.

if sergio has improved to the point that he deserves to be playing over bayless, that's great for the blazers though. just another talent on their roster.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

right. i asked who cares is bayless was a pure pg or not.

Nate

 

[rocketeer]

Nate

has nate actually said that? nothing in the article suggests that he has.

saying that he's currently 3rd string behind blake and sergio is not the same as saying he's 3rd string because he isn't enough of a pure pg.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

has nate actually said that? nothing in the article suggests that he has.

saying that he's currently 3rd string behind blake and sergio is not the same as saying he's 3rd string because he isn't enough of a pure pg.

No, my assumption was Sergio being 2nd string and the talk about bayless dribbling a little too much and that Sergio is more of a true PG factored into Nate's decision.

But you're right, that isn't the same thing as saying he is 3rd string because he isn't enough of a pure PG. In fact, politically I think Nate almost has to give the 2nd string job to Sergio right now (it is only preseason and Sergio has been with the team for a couple of years)

I still think Nate (and staff) wants a pure PG at that position (went after Devin Harris) . . .. but I did make an assumption that, in hind sight, isn't as clear as I thought.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Fuck it, let the chips fall where they may. I was one of the more vocal Sergio detractors last season, but if he's addressed either his shooting or defensive deficiencies enough to earn Nate's trust and he EARNS that backup PG spot then good for him.

I think we're losing sight of the fact that all of the guys outside of Brandon, LMA, and Greg (and maybe Rudy?) are secondary and their only usefulness is how well they compliment those three (four) guys' games.

I want the better player to win the number two spot, no matter who that is.

(Christ, I can already see the Sergio vs. Jack* part II debate starting over)

 

[Ed O]

roy is going to be the primary ballhandler in the halfcourt anyway, so bayless doesn't need to be a pure pg.

I'm not sure that this is the case. Roy is capable of playing the role of primary ballhandler, but it's not necessarily true that that will be the gameplan.

if sergio has improved to the point that he deserves to be playing over bayless, that's great for the blazers though. just another talent on their roster.

I agree with this.

If Sergio is a better player right now than Bayless... great! I won't see it as a failure on Jerryd's part. Rodgriguez has been a pretty good prospect as a former first rounder, too. He's a couple of years older than Bayless and has had a couple of years to acclimate to the NBA. While he's had his ups and downs, the journey has potentially prepared him to be more prepared right now than Jerryd.

Bayless is 20 years old. If he emerges as the starter at some point this year it'll be a pretty big deal. That we have enough good players to relegate him to (potentially) a deep bench role speaks well to the team and the job KP is doing... not necessarily as a slam on Bayless as a player or a prospect.

Ed O.

 

[Reep]

Nate

I doubt that.

Nate has repeatedly said he wants basketball players, not position people. He wants hustle on both ends of the court too.

Today Nate indicated that the 2nd PG spot is Sergio's, but is still up in the air depending on what happens. My guess is he is trying to motivate Bayless and Sergio to do what he wants. May the best man win.