A Bright Spot: Avery Bradley Growing Up

by Jeff Clark on Jan 21, 2012 10:10 PM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

It was easy to overlook the other night, but there was a lone bright spot in the loss to the Phoenix Suns. Avery Bradley, making his first start of his career, played pretty well in a difficult matchup. In fact, I remember thinking that it was a good idea to put a defensive pest on Steve Nash.

Green Street " Avery Bradley’s successful first NBA start

Bradley held Nash in check, allowing him to score only 11 points. But Nash buried a critical 3-pointer when Bradley pinched off him to help in the interior. "I learned not to gamble with him," Bradley said. Nash took notice of the young guard’s defensive prowess. "He did a good job," said Nash. "He hustled defensively and he made a few shots. He’s learning and he’s a young player. It’s a great learning experience for him."

Good for Avery. I had almost written him off this year when he started losing some playing time to rookie second rounder E'Twaun Moore. If Bradley can hit the occasional shot (enough to keep defenses somewhat honest) then his defense could be very valuable for us for years to come.

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I'm really starting to like Avery

I think he has the potential to be one of the best perimeter defenders I’ve ever seen. I don’t understand why Moore is ahead of him on the depth chart. I get that he is more comfortable handling the ball, but I think Bradley is an overall better player

by Zak B on Jan 21, 2012 10:29 PM EST reply actions

hope to see more

Simply put- we all seem to agree we are not winning a ring this year. The object of every season for this group was to win a ring. So… what the heck do we have to lose by playing Bradley, JJJ and Steimsma more? If these guys would not have to keep playing with the fear that doc is going to yank them out after one mistake (or put them in his doghouse), we can truly see what our future is or isn’t. Whatever we do with the vets (play less, sit, trade), we must play These three guys more. I would love to add George,(or Gay), and sign jR smith or Wilson Chandler (as I’ve said before). Use some pieces or picks to get Thompson, Beasly – . Can you see a starting line-up of Rondo, George or Gay, Smith or Chandler, Beasly and Thompson (or Hibbert)- 2nd unit of Bradley, Dooling, Pietrus, JJJ, Stiemsma/FA big (bass would probably be part of a package to get Thompson or Beasly. By all means get rid of Daniels, Pavlovich, O’neal, and fill their spots with anybody.

by P stoff on Jan 21, 2012 11:00 PM EST reply actions

You really want nutty, pothead beasley?

by mdowell04 on Jan 22, 2012 12:21 AM EST up reply actions

just a possibility

i might take a chance on him with Rondo and others that would not force him to do too much. Thompson or other athletic big men is what we need to couple with Rondo’s skill set. If you want a Gasol/Bynum type post players, then trade rondo for one (if you can find one). oOherwise you are going to rely on rookies or draftees for two+ years until they develop. I don’t want to wait that long.

by P stoff on Jan 22, 2012 12:33 AM EST up reply actions

agreed

Its funny, his jump shot can look really sweet from mid range- the way the net snaps when the bll goes through is very satisfying lol. But when he steps outside that 3 line, its brick city. He just doesnt have that range yet. I think Avery can be a pretty decent scorer with that speed and midrange jumper.

by ianboyextreme on Jan 21, 2012 11:11 PM EST reply actions

You are playing 4 against 5 when the C’s have the ball. Bradley will always be a bench player.

by MaxAMillion on Jan 22, 2012 12:25 AM EST reply actions

defensively

AB is a game changing defender. He just need to find his niche on offense. His on the ball defense right now looks as good as I have seen anywhere in the NBA this season.

by CelticsFanNC on Jan 22, 2012 8:27 AM EST reply actions

Excellent defender

But need to work on offence. If he perfects it, he’ll be Rondo 2.0

I don't follow rules, I let the rules follow me.

by relja111 on Jan 22, 2012 10:01 AM EST reply actions

He has a very good chance...

…to be a very good NBA player. He wasn’t the top rated high school player his senior year because of his defense. He has a stroke and he has rare quickness. But he’s young and he’s run into what most run into in the NBA – fast, tall defenders with quick hands at just about every position on the court. I don’t know whether he’s with the best or worst coach to be developed. i really believe we’ll see what kind of broad coaching talent Doc has this year via his use/lack of use of young guys. Give three HOFers and a PG suited to them to any coach and he could get the job done. But now we need a COACH.
The reason not to be discouraged by Bradley is he is only 20. He does not have JR Giddens head and attitude. More like Perk’s. Remember Kendrick Perkins his 2nd year. Pretty useless! I think Bradley’s upside is much greater.
He did a real good job against Nash. That was a good test.
And FINALLY – Dee Brown and Brian Shaw both came into the league via the Celtics without an outside shot and left as 3 pt specialists.

by Wildblu1 on Jan 22, 2012 10:38 AM EST reply actions

Bradley is going to a fringe All-Star, Sixth Man of the Year level player.

He’ll be a top defender amongst PG’s. His shot is going to continue to improve to the point where he’s a knock down mid-range shooter, FT shooter and respectable 3PT guy. His speed and athleticism will allow him to become an upper tier finisher at the rim as he gets more comfortable.

I see Bradley as a 16-18 PPG guy, 2 steals, 5-6 assists, 4 rebounds as his mid-range potential. If he becomes a starter and focal point offensively I could see him getting in that 18-20 PPG game range.

Another excellent draft pick by Ainge outside the lottery. Very happy the Celtics have Bradley, and as crazy as it sounds now, I can see Bradley making Rondo a trade chip a couple years from now.

Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. - Red Auerbach

by IanMello on Jan 22, 2012 2:28 PM EST reply actions