Avery Bradley Might Be A Blueprint For Young Guards

by Jeff Clark on Feb 14, 2012 10:00 PM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

The OKC Thunder have a young guard named Reggie Jackson (no, not Mr. October). He's not shooting particularly well and he's not exactly racking up the assists either, but they think he can be an impact player for them. So how can he learn on the job while contributing to a contending team? One blogger decided to look at Avery Bradley for inspiration.

Reggie Jackson and the Thunder: Pressing? - Welcome to Loud City

Bradley helped his team crush the spirits of Nelson and the Magic because of his baseline to baseline defensive pressure, which materially altered the Magic offense and galvanized his own team's defensive effort.

Back to Jackson. He isn't scoring the ball, he isn't setting up people offensively, and he is struggling to manage the team's offense. What is left? Ask Avery Bradley. It is defensive play. It is play that does not require a single shot attempt, is not hindered by a bad offensive set, and can work against some of the most seasoned veterans. Jackson has a great build for defense. He is low to the floor, quick, strong, and has a freakish seven foot wingspan that enables him to challenge the dribble and get into passing lanes. We know that Brooks doesn't use the full-court press. However, I have to wonder, is there an opportunity there for him to use Reggie and his raw physical tools to have a meaningful impact on the game? To just tell Jackson, "Don't worry about points, assists, or setting up the perfect pick and roll. Just go out there and lock up their PG for 94 feet"? At the very worst, Jackson would slow down the other team for an extra 4-6 seconds, which becomes huge when a team only has 24 seconds to get off a shot.

Not a bad idea.

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Comments

Underrating Bradley?

Glad to see Bradley getting some press, the kid deserves it and his hard work is not going unnoticed.

I think this is underrating Bradley as a defender though. He is an incredible defender, great feet, quick hands, good timing and anticipation. Not just anyone can do it, or teams would always have their “back up” point guard pressuring the ball. Also Jackson is a great offensive player, but is not a great defensive player. He can match Bradley in the athleticism department, but the timing and fundamentals are not as good as Avery’s.

by Jirimania on Feb 14, 2012 10:10 PM EST reply actions

You're right

I think Bradley is a special kid who seems to be committing both to the science of as well as the effort of playing great defense. I know that Reggie Jackson is not on the same level defensively, but I’d like to see him at least have that attitude that Bradley has, of basically just saying, “this is going to be my thing.” For young players, and role players especially, opportunities to contribute offensively are few and far between (esp. on a team that features Durant, Westbrook, & Harden).

RJ may not grow into the mold of a lockdown defender like Bradley or Tony Allen, but the potential is there to at least have a positive impact, which has the added benefit of adding to the confidence in and trust of the young player.

www.welcometoloudcity.com

by J.A. Sherman on Feb 15, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

Jeremy Lin

is the BLUEPRINT! hahaha

by staticcc on Feb 14, 2012 10:44 PM EST reply actions

Probably not as easy as it looks

And what Bradley does, doesn’t look easy. So not surpising to see another team pick up on what Doc and Avery are doing, but I think the previous comment does maybe underestimate Bradley’s talents and developed skill on defense. But defense is a lot effort, so others can try to employ that tactic by making that a player’s role and letting him put the focus on his defensive effort, it will be interesting to see how well others can do it. I’m guessing it will take away from the rest of the player’s game and he may not be as effective as Bradley.

I’ve liked Bradley from the start and he’s taken a lot of knocks here, but while he came in very young, he seems coachable, hard working with some definite talents to work with. I feel we are seeing some decent progress and still he hasn’t had the benefit of a full training camp, never mind a summer league. With more comfort on the floor and confidence he belongs, I think we are beginning to see more and more of the positives he can bring.

by SteveZ from Edgemont on Feb 14, 2012 10:45 PM EST reply actions

"Scoring the ball."

How I yearn to retire that phrase.

by Big_Easy on Feb 14, 2012 11:21 PM EST reply actions

A litte off topic but

Portland has worse injury luck than boston

by Kgwillkillyou on Feb 15, 2012 12:35 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Except

Defensively Jackson is much more like Rondo than Bradley. He gambles way too much and isn’t always focused. He didn’t have a reputation for being a good defender at BC, maybe he becomes on in the pros. Once he starts knocking down jumpers he’ll be fine.

by Evantime34 on Feb 15, 2012 1:20 AM EST reply actions