Bayless has a better price tag, similar shooting ability , better three ball and decent Defense and Wants to be a Celtic........probably significantly cheaper than AB. Bayless seems to have found a home and is playing practically good as Lee was cheaper. Good deal DA.
Bradley was shooting a pretty consistent 45% from the field and 37% from three before the injuries hit, and he's been scoring a consistent 17 points per 36 minutes throughout the season as well.
Bayless RIGHT NOW is shooting similar percentages from the field and from three (around 42% and 39%) but only averaging 15 points per 36 minutes, and when I checked a couple of weeks ago his percentages were far lower...which suggests to me he has been more inconsistent than Bradley.
In Bradley's defense he averages slightly less turnovers, significantly more rebounds (5 rebounds per 36 vs 3 for Bayless) and is obviously has far greater defensive talent (even if it hasn't translatest to results this season). He's younger, he's more athletic and he has playoff experience.
Bayless on the other hand is far better passer and ball handler, and these skills allows greater flexibility because he can play either guard position. Plus he's not as much of an injury risk, which is a big one.
I really like Avery Bradley and he's one of my favorite players on this team, but I have to say that if I were a GM and had to choose between Bradley at $8M or Bayless at $3M and all I was interesting in was filling a hole (i.e. not choosing on potential)...I would have to go with Bayless.
I Bradley's limitated PG skills and injury history admittedly do hurt his value.
Plus if you are in the position to compete for a top 4 pick in this years draft (which we is an opportunity we may well get) then you can potentially draft Dante Exum, who's defensive talents make Avery Bradley more or less dispensable.
The difference between Bradley and Bayless IMO is that Bradley is more suited to a starting role, because he has a clear postition (SG), he has an elite talent (defense), he plays with the type of heart and hustle that can win playoff games, and he looks to have a good amount of untapped potential. I feel like he would be the absolute perfect 5th starter on a contender because he could fill the role of a 3+D guy who can get in to the heads of your opponent and who will make those 50/50 hustle plays that win close games (i.e. Shane Battier, Bruce Bowen, Derek Fisher).
Bayless on the other hand is textbook 6th man to me. He isn't really "Elite" at anything, but he is above average in most skill areas. He's the perfect guy to come off the bench to backup either guard position as an 'instant offense' guy off the bench.
Bayless, Hump and Olynyk are three guys I would love to see coming off the bench next season. Bayless gives you that guy who can create his own offense, Hump gives you the hustle and toughness, and Olynyk is a skilled shooter who can stretch the floor.