http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbe..._the_point.html <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>After three games of MVP-caliber play at shooting guard, Jerryd Bayless will assume a new role when the Trail Blazers resume NBA Summer League action on Saturday night. Coach Monty Williams said he plans to slide Bayless to point guard against the Phoenix Suns, providing an opportunity for Bayless to showcase himself at the position he says he's most comfortable playing. "We'll go with Jerryd ... and see what he can do at the point," Williams said following the Blazers' 88-78 loss to Minnesota Thursday night. "We want to see if he can run the team. A lot of times he gets the ball and he just kind of goes off on his own. Hopefully, he can run the squad and we can run our stuff and we can be a little more efficient than we were tonight." Bayless, who has been perhaps the most consistent performer at summer league to date, has played point guard in spurts during each of the Blazers' three summer league games and enjoyed his most extensive action at the position Thursday night. But, for the most part, the Blazers have asked him to focus on shooting guard while they evaluate Petteri Koponen, a 2007 first-round draft pick who is trying to make the regular season roster. Williams said Koponen might get extended rest on Saturday. "It's not really that big of an adjustment for me," Bayless said. "I know I can do it and I'm just looking forward to going out there and (getting the chance)." Bayless is averaging 27.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, but has struggled to incorporate his teammates on offense. He's also committed 14 turnovers, an average of nearly five per game. In his defense, Bayless has received very little low-post help from his teammates. The statistics are telling -- starting power forward Josh Davis and starting center Chris Ellis produced just eight points Thursday, for example -- but Williams said the group also is stalling the offense by failing to set screens and call out screens. As a byproduct, Bayless has taken it upon himself to relentlessly drive toward the basket for scoring opportunities. In three games, he's attempted a staggering 55 free throws, making 44. It'll be interesting to see if Bayless adjusts his game and incorporates his teammates more while playing point guard, or if he continues his aggressive, attacking style. Williams said he has no plans to scale Bayless back. "We've never told a guy not to shoot, that's just not how we ... there's bad situations where guys take shots but we always tell our guys if you're open, shoot," Williams said. "If it's your move and you're being aggressive within the scheme of what we're doing, take the shot."</div>
Two things I take away from this 1) Sounds like Playboy Pete is going to be on the Blazers regular season roster 2) The specific wording was "an opportunity for Bayless to showcase himself" - Why do the Blazers need to showcase him? Showcasing is something you do when you are dealing with potential trades.
I think he ment showcase as in show what he can do for the Blazers in the regular season. i doubt they're out to trade him so soon, they just got him in a trade
