AVERY BRADLEY was the one who sparked our winning streak

[BballTim]

So why are we 4-1 without Rondo??

  PP and KG aren't playing like below average starters probably helps a lot. Does anyone really think it's because AB is playing instead of Rondo?

[wdleehi]

I am very happy with his play.



I will be happier when it is coming off the bench to cause havoc for the other teams 2nd unit. 

[Change]

Celtics defense took off with Avery in starting lineup. C's went from one of the worst defensive teams to top3 best in the NBA. He  deserves a lot of credit for turnaround on defense.

[ScoobyDoo]

I do think Bradley's defensive intensity on the other team's offense is very disruptive and, along with Pierce and KG rounding into form, has contributed mightily to our uptick in D and our winning percentage. So I agree with you there.

However, I don't think it means we trade Rondo necessarily.

But I do think Rondo is lazy on defense. He could be every bit as disruptive as Bradely, if not moreso, if he was willing to extend his defensive effort.

To be hoenst, Bradley has now proven he can at least spell Rondo (with Pierce in the game with him) for a good 15-20 minutes a night.

Therefore, Rondo should feel 100% free to majorly increase his defensive intensity on the ball when he comes back.

There is no reason why, between Rondo and Bradley, we could not put just sick pressure on opposing team's point guards for a full 48 every night. And it is what should happen.

Bradely beings much more hunger at the position because he is trying to prove himself and also because it's who he is defensively.

Rondo should take a cue from the young guy and step it up. We can rest him anytime he needs it.

Rondo! Pick up the Defensive intensity and get less "cute" and more "nasty" on the offensive end - we'll be good to go.

[celtics2]

Another win without Rondo. 5-1. See a pattern here??

[celtics2]

I do think Bradley's defensive intensity on the other team's offense is very disruptive and, along with Pierce and KG rounding into form, has contributed mightily to our uptick in D and our winning percentage. So I agree with you there.

However, I don't think it means we trade Rondo necessarily.

But I do think Rondo is lazy on defense. He could be every bit as disruptive as Bradely, if not moreso, if he was willing to extend his defensive effort.

To be hoenst, Bradley has now proven he can at least spell Rondo (with Pierce in the game with him) for a good 15-20 minutes a night.


Rondo is a gambler on defense and a showboater on offense, and he still can't hit the open shot!

Therefore, Rondo should feel 100% free to majorly increase his defensive intensity on the ball when he comes back.

There is no reason why, between Rondo and Bradley, we could not put just sick pressure on opposing team's point guards for a full 48 every night. And it is what should happen.

Bradely beings much more hunger at the position because he is trying to prove himself and also because it's who he is defensively.

Rondo should take a cue from the young guy and step it up. We can rest him anytime he needs it.

Rondo! Pick up the Defensive intensity and get less "cute" and more "nasty" on the offensive end - we'll be good to go.

Rondo gambles on defense and is a show boater on offense and still can't hit the open J!

[Celtics4ever]

Rondo might be able to guard Irving though something Bradley could not do.

Get your heads out of the cloud, folks.  2 APG per game is not that good.  They have taken away his outside shooting rights and placed him as a baseline roamer.  This has worked out a lot better.  But we have had a very good schedule lately one without good PGs.   The good PG we faced ate Bradley alive and his vaulted D looked pretty sad.  I can see how he fell down to us in the draft.  His game is just as flawed ( actually more flawed) than Rondo's.

Rondo is the better defender.  Avery is no slouch though.   Both can't shoot.   Rondo is a way better passer.   Doc sees these guys in practice and Avery as good as a defender as he struggles against elite speed guys who can dribble.  They can beat him.

[hwangjini_1]

I am very happy with his play.



I will be happier when it is coming off the bench to cause havoc for the other teams 2nd unit. 

Well said. He has shown that he can help the team when he plays. Against the other teams's bench he should do even better.

But, coming off the bench he will need to create his own shot more since the second team won't have people who can pass him the ball or create their own shots after AB makes a mediocre pas... as the first team can do now.

In the past few games AB has taken the ball to the basket a bit more....good.  And, a number of times he has been free under the basket for passes and layups too.

I consider those to be good baby-steps for his offense.

But he still looks to pass the ball immediately after crossing the time line, a sign he is not confident enough yet and still does not know how to run the offense.

But over all, he did help the team as a starter. Good news.

[LooseCannon]

Bradley isn't the messiah, but I think he has played well enough and is obviously improving so that Rondo probably doesn't need to play more than 35mpg (or 40mpg in the playoffs) and Doc can afford to rest Rondo so that he isn't obviously gassed and walking the ball up the court and taking plays off on defense.

[guava_wrench]

This is why science requires controls. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation.

There were many problems with the team that have improved, #1 being Pierce getting in better shape and #2 being KG finally showing up.

Bradley has contributed, but there is a lot of exaggerating going on as to his significance. Dallas started slow and I'm sure they have fans over-analyzing their turnaround too and trying to pin in on individual players when it was mostly a general lack of readiness for many of the players.