OK. I admit it. I was wrong about Jerryd Bayless needing to improve his outside shot. I just finished watching the Blazers take on the Suns in their fourth summer league game. Once Bayless quit trying to drive it to the hoop on nearly every single play, he really got hot from the outside. Petteri Koponon wasn't nearly as good this game and Nicolas Batum his best game so far. Steve Hill, the bearded Center from Arkansas had a plethora of blocked shots and is looking more like he could make the roster of a lower-tiered team like the Bobcats or Bucks.
But the story of the night was Bayless. His first half was forgettable but he owned the 2nd half. He may end up being one of those rare players that can take a game on his shoulders and carry a team to a win. I still think we are talking a couple years down the road though. This is summer league after all! But he shows flashes of brilliance. Still don't see him as a point guard yet though. A scorer, yes. A passer?? Not so much.
As for the Suns, they had a few players to note: Alando Tucker, DJ Strawberry, and Robin Lopez. They are the 3 off the Suns summer team who will make the league and Lopez will be a solid center long term. He's in need of some polish but that will come easier for him than most since he has the luxury of backing up Shaq and Amare Stoudemire... what a group to learn from!! As Napoleon Dynamite would say... Lucky.
That's it for now. Blazers vs. the Hornets tomorrow.
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