Jerryd Bayless, an American professional basketball player, embarked on his NBA journey after being selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. However, his rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he began his career. Known for his scoring ability and quickness, Bayless played as a point guard and shooting guard, adapting to various roles throughout his time in the league.
Bayless spent two seasons with the Trail Blazers, where he showed glimpses of his potential, particularly during the 2009 NBA Summer League, where he was named the MVP. Despite limited playing time in Portland, he demonstrated his scoring prowess in several games, which caught the attention of other teams.
In 2010, Bayless was traded to the New Orleans Hornets, where he played briefly before being moved to the Toronto Raptors. His time with the Raptors allowed him more opportunities to showcase his skills, as he took on a larger role in the team's rotation. During the 2011-2012 season, Bayless averaged career-high numbers in points and assists, proving his capability as a reliable guard in the league.
Following his stint in Toronto, Bayless signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012. With the Grizzlies, he became an integral part of the team's bench unit, providing scoring and energy. His performance in Memphis was marked by several standout games, including a career-high 30-point game against the Boston Celtics in 2013.
Bayless's journey continued as he was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2014. His tenure with the Celtics was short-lived, but he managed to contribute effectively during his time there. Later that year, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for two seasons. In Milwaukee, Bayless was known for his clutch performances, particularly during the 2015-2016 season, when he played a crucial role in several close games.
In 2016, Bayless joined the Philadelphia 76ers, but his time with the team was marred by injuries. Despite the setbacks, he remained a valuable veteran presence on the roster, offering guidance to younger players. His final NBA season was with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018-2019, where he continued to provide depth and experience to the team's backcourt.
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