Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls
If you want to buy low on a potential star, take a look at Luol Deng. He’s back in the lineup and he’s putting up good numbers. If you buy him now, there’s a chance that his fantasy basketball value could rise back to what it was a few years ago.

Nick Collison, Oklahoma City Thunder
Although Nick Collison isn’t an exciting fantasy player, he should be solid for the rest of the season. He’s playing consistent and with the Thunder playing better basketball, Collison could average close to a double-double for the rest of the year.

Von Wafer, Houston Rockets
Having scored in double figures in seven straight games, it’s starting to look like Von Wafer is for real. And with Tracy McGrady chronically injured, Wafer could find minutes as the offensive spark the Rockets desperately need. Pick him up if you have room to find out if this hot stretch can last.

Jerryd Bayless, Portland Trail Blazers
With Steve Blake sidelined, Jerryd Bayless is finally getting consistent minutes in his rookie campaign. While his overall numbers are ugly, he had a big game on Thursday night in which he finished with 23 points off the bench. Most impressive? His 11-for-11 shooting from the line in the game.

Jerryd Bayless, the soon to be rookie guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, was named the MVP of the NBA Summer League held in Las Vegas. Bayless and his great ability to score the ball wowed onlookers all week long.

In four games, Bayless averaged 29.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals on 48.5% shooting from the field. Bayless was far and away the leading scorer during summer league and did so shooting a respectable mark from the field.

During the 2008-09 NBA season, Bayless will likely begin the season on the bench behind Steve Blake and Brandon Roy at guard. However, Bayless can earn a significant role quickly and very well could become a fantasy basketball viable player.

Here are some highlights that resulted in Jerryd Bayless winning the MVP award:

A lot of people think there is no basketball to be watched during the summer. That is far from the case! During the summer, you can watch NBA summer league basketball. Summer league may not be the highest level of play but the players play hard and you can get a first look at future superstars.

Speaking of potential superstars, Jerryd Bayless, the rookie guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, didn’t disappoint in his first summer league action. Bayless finished his summer league debut with 28 points and four rebounds. Petteri Koponen, who the Blazers drafted in the first round last year, chipped in 19 points and three assists.

Bayless has a chance to start the season as Portland’s starter at guard next to Brandon Roy. If he keeps playing like this, he’ll start for sure.

Here’s a video of Bayless scoring 28 points in summer league:

1. Michael Beasley - Beasley will be able to score and rebound right away.
2. Greg Oden - Don’t forget about Oden, who missed his rookie year.
3. OJ Mayo - Should score right away with the Grizzlies.
4. Derrick Rose - Expect him to start slow and then come on strong.
5. Rudy Fernandez - Expect him produce great numbers if a starter.
6. Kevin Love - Love has a very developed game and should shine.
7. Eric Gordon - Could score by the dozens with the Clippers.
8. Jerryd Bayless - The Blazers have three top rookies in the top ten.
9. Brandon Rush - Should be able to step in and start right away.
10. Brook Lopez - As a starting center, should be very solid for the Nets.

Will Michael Beasley become a beast for the Heat?

Photo: Newscom

Jerryd Bayless had a great freshman season at the University of Arizona and is currently viewed as a lock for a top five pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Bayless isn’t a flawless prospect but he has high potential and his skills are advanced for his age.

Bayless, who stands around 6-foot-3, is a combo guard who will likely play more point guard than shooting guard in the NBA. He’s not a true point guard but by all accounts he has the work ethic and the skills to make the transition to point guard.

Right now, Bayless’ ability to score the ball is his best asset. He’s not only good at shooting the outside shot and getting to the rim, he also is very good in the mid-range game. He can shoot off the dribble, which is becoming an increasingly rare attribute for young players.

A lot of 2008 NBA mock drafts have Bayless going fourth to the Seattle Supersonics. If he does go fourth, he’ll likely start at point guard for a good part of the season. He’ll also see time at shooting guard, especially if the Sonics keep both Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour.

Bayless was able to put up good stats as a freshman at Arizona and should be able to do the same in the NBA in his rookie year. With minutes, Bayless should be able to average between 12 to 15 points and 4 to 6 assists. He’ll likely be a sleeper heading into the 2008-09 fantasy basketball season but he could easily be one of the very best fantasy players from this rookie class.

Here is a Jerryd Bayless video that talks more about his abilities:

Jerryd Bayless doesn’t get near the amount of notoriety as other freshman guards due such as OJ Mayo and Derrick Rose. However, Bayless is quickly making his own name and is beginning to be talked about as a top five pick in the 2008 NBA draft.

In his freshman season at Arizona, Bayless has put up impressive stats. He is currently averaging over 20 points per game and over four assists per game. He’s also shooting nearly 46% from the field, over 40% from three-point land and over 83% from the free throw line. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Bayless will be a point guard on the NBA level.

While his freshman season was largely a success, he still has areas he needs to improve. First of all, he’s not much of a playmaker at this point in his career. He’s more of a scoring point guard, which might turn off a couple of teams on the next level. Bayless also needs to work on his game to game consistency and his mental approach to the game.

If he comes out of Arizona after one season, expect Bayless to at least go in the top ten selections. Depending on his workouts, he could even crack the top five.

In regards to fantasy basketball, he’s likely to be play a similar role next year to what Mike Conley played this year. Eventually though, Bayless appears capable of putting up big stats at some point in his NBA career.