My two bolivars' worth...
- Apparently, Avery Bradley worked on his playmaking and team defense in the offseason. Looked much better in the pick and roll. That's great news if it sticks, because his ballhandling/playmaking/passing were the worst aspects of his game the last couple years. He should be more than just a 6'2" 3&D guy.
- Really like Isaiah's one-footed jumpshot in the lane. He used it a couple times tonight. The reason it's going to help is that he can get to the top of the key in the pick and roll, and at that point teams will need to decide whether or not to attack him up there, or sag off and cover the shooters on the perimeter. That shot is going to be there for him all day. If teams start to cheat off the shooters, then in a lineup like (for instance) Olynyk, Crowder, Horford, and Bradley, you're just inviting an open 3.
- Smart looks heavy and slow to me. Compared with his college tape especially. Now, I am an unabashed Smart fan and by all accounts he worked hard this offseason. If he can shoot better from distance this year after repairing his shooting form and play his typical level of defense, he'll be huge off the bench. But his lack of speed (which may be related to the fact he's built like a USPS mailbox) will hamper him.