Bayless hopes to remain a Raptor: Raptors guard Jerryd Bayless, who missed the final 16 games of the season with a partially torn oblique muscle, told the Toronto Sun that he hopes to remain with the team, as a restricted free agent this summer. Bayless indicated to the team that he is interested in returning, telling the Sun that he plans to remain in Toronto over the summer working on his game, which certainly makes it seem as if he expects to be a Raptor next season. He is expected to be fully healthy by the team he is eligible to become a free agent, in July. (Updated 05/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Bayless tantalizes with flashes of his talent, as he averaged 17.8 points and 5.3 assists per game in 11 starts this season, however he has yet to be able to stay healthy and productive while finding his niche. He told the Sun that he thinks his best position is point guard, however the Raptors are set there, with incumbent Jose Calderon manning the spot. If Bayless returns to Toronto, as would seem to be the case at this time, he would likely only be worth a late-round selection on Draft Day. (Updated 05/20/2012).
04/02/2012 05:02 Courtside Seat: Can Bargnani still help you?
Need some postseason assistance? Our Jamey Eisenberg takes a look at some guys who may or may not be helpful for Fantasy owners heading into the playoffs.
03/24/2012 23:16 Deng's buzzer beater lifts Bulls in OT
Luol Deng hit a follow-up shot at the buzzer in overtime and the Chicago Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors 102-101 on Saturday night for their NBA-leading 40th victory.
03/21/2012 21:28 Bulls rally in fourth to beat Raptors
John Lucas scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, Luol Deng had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 94-82 on Wednesday night.
Bayless came over from New Orleans last year and provided a nice little spark for the Raptors in 60 games and 14 starts. Bayless averaged 10 points, 4.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game over 22.4 minutes and the 22-year-old put GM Bryan Colangelo on notice that he expects to keep progressing as one of the team’s go-to options in the offense. That said, Colangelo has said an improvement in his defense will go a long way to getting Bayless on the court more often. Until he can do that, the team will continue to need the services of Jose Calderon. Toronto might prefer a backcourt of Bayless and DeMar DeRozan due to its youthful exuberance, but until Bayless proves a two-way player, Calderon will continue to get starter’s minutes. While this creates large upside, it also brings a lot of uncertainty to Bayless’ season. With Calderon starting, Bayless will only be a contributor. If Bayless grabs the starting gig, he could be so much more. Bayless has sleeper value on Draft Day and should immediately be considered a top 75 Fantasy guard. (Updated 8/23/11)
