JERRYD BAYLESS INTERVIEW
09/16/2009

Basketball 24/7's Michael Romyn caught up with Jerryd Bayless of the Portland Trailblazers when he visited London for the Adidas NBA 5 United Tour this weekend.

Bench splinters are no fun, particularly if you`re more accustomed to lighting up a scoreboard than cheering from the sidelines. Just ask Portland's Jerryd Bayless.

Last year the rookie guard was given a crash course in riding pine; he sat more in one season than he had his entire playing career.

Stuck behind starting point guard Steve Blake and battling for reserve playing time with Sergio Rodriguez, the lottery pick averaged a little more than 12 minutes in just 53 games for the Blazers.

During a visit to London as part of the succesful Adidas NBA 5 United Tour, the 21-year-old told 24/7 all he needed was the right situation to prove he belonged on the court.

"When I got in the game last season, I know I showed I could play," he said. "So it's about getting to the right place where I can play consistently or maybe play with the Blazers consistently. That's what I'm looking forward to, just getting a chance somewhere."

That chance took a big hit this off-season when Portland acquired veteran playmaker Andre Miller from Philidelphia. The move seemingly relegates Bayless to third string (Miller is the projected starter and Blake his backup) and has left some fans wondering when, not if, he will be put on the block.

Trade talk aside, the former Arizona Wildcat recognises playing time won't come easy with such a loaded backcourt. Any opportunity will have to be earned.

He said: "It affects me (the addition of Miller), it bumps me down a little bit. But, you know, going into training camp I can prove some things and show I can play.

"Right now, I'm still with the Blazers and hopefully I will get more minutes and take advantage of the chance if I get one."

While it's clear the 6ft 3in Bayless can score the ball (see the 23 point outburst against the Nets in January, which included a stunning two-handed smash on Bobby Simmons), questions remain over his ability to run a team. But the driven Bayless said he's been working all summer long to become a "more complete player" and it's clear he won't stop working until he's satisfied.

"There are a lot of things I want to accomplish in this league. I want to be an All-Star sooner or later and given the right opportunity I know I have a chance to do that."

Given his reluctance to remain glued to the bench, I wouldn't bet against him.

By Michael Romyn