Brandon Bass
2015-16 stats: 7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.8 bpg, 1.1 apg, .549 fg%, 17.38 PER
It doesn’t take a genius to understand that Brandon Bass was a terrible fit for the Lakers during their rebuild last season. It should also come as no shock that he declined his player option and will be taking his talents somewhere else next year.
At 31 years old, Bass probably isn’t looking at teams who aren’t poised to make a serious splash. So it seems the Jazz would be an ideal destination for the veteran power forward.
My favorite thing about Bass is that he plays within his limits and takes high-percentage shots. He’s nothing short of a sniper from midrange and possesses the strength and size to finish in the paint and at the rim — whether that be around, over or through his defender.
Outside of the posterizing dunks, Bass’s defense has come a long way defensively since he first came in the league. He’s always had the speed and strength to guard his man, but it wasn’t until his stint in Boston, where he was mentored by Kevin Garnett, that he became a legitimate defensive presence.
Now he’s a guy who takes charges, and can lock his man up.
In a lot of ways, Bass is a more efficient version of Trevor Booker. On a Jazz team, where defense is the cornerstone, he has the potential to be a nice fit.
Next: Dwight Powell