Is it odd that Bradley didn't say goodbye? Hoping he's not upset...

[obnoxiousmime]

From today's Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2017/07/celtics_notebook_avery_bradley_settles_in_with_pistons

Bradley was also clear about how he looks at the trade — necessitated by the Celtics’ need to clear cap space — that sent him to Detroit for Marcus Morris.

“It’s the perfect opportunity. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I look at it as an opportunity to grow and help inspire others,” he said of his break from the Celtics after seven seasons. “It’s the story of my life a little bit. People always doubt, and this is a good opportunity for all of us as a team to go out and show those people.”

I think Bradley probably was a little miffed/motivated the Celtics thought Hayward was worth his deal over what Bradley makes now/is expected to make next year.

[Surferdad]

Hated seeing AB leave. He was frustrating with his lack of BBIQ at times, but he was still a high character guy who thoroughly represented Celtic pride.

That has to be tough to work in a job that gives you such limited autonomy regarding where you work. I guess it comes with the job of being paid big bucks like that, but you know that has to be tough on families, especially for lower-level players and journeymen that move around a lot.

Yup, I think about this constantly during SL.  These guys are fighting for their careers.  If they make a team, they are good income-wise for a couple of years.  If not, they have to go overseas to make a living wage.  Not easy, but they are lucky to have this option now.  In the old days, they would be selling used cars or insurance.  Heck, they might still do that if China or Europe or Australia are not appealing.

[Jvalin]

I'm gutted we traded Bradley. I'd much rather have seen us trading IT instead of Bradley.

[Granath]

I'm gutted we traded Bradley.

I'd much rather have seen us trading IT instead of Bradley.

Yeah, because that would have really enticed Hayward to come on board.   

[td450]

Hated seeing AB leave. He was frustrating with his lack of BBIQ at times, but he was still a high character guy who thoroughly represented Celtic pride.

That has to be tough to work in a job that gives you such limited autonomy regarding where you work. I guess it comes with the job of being paid big bucks like that, but you know that has to be tough on families, especially for lower-level players and journeymen that move around a lot.

I have to say, I always hated the low BBIQ narrative about Avery.

The NBA has a pretty elite level of competition. Avery didn't have the lightning quick multi-task decision making skills of a point guard, but those skills are exceedingly rare. There are thousands of smart players that are athletic and skilled enough to play point otherwise, but just can't cut it within the pace and pressure of an NBA game.

He knew the nuances of the plays. He made the right adjustments. He made the right reads on defense.

I always though Avery played shooting guard the right way, and developed better than average decision making skills. He always kept the ball moving, made crisp accurate passes, and was one of the best cutters in the league. He learned to run a pretty good pick and roll.

He just wasn't a point guard.

[Sketch5]

I'm gutted we traded Bradley. I'd much rather have seen us trading IT instead of Bradley.

You do realize that IT was the BIG reason that we were EFC right? He's the best player in the 4th quarter. And what he did in the playoffs, with it injury and death of his sister shows his willingness of  a player. I liked AB, but he's more of a 3 and D good locker room guy than a key player that you stick next to Hayward. And up till that last injury, IT's been more durable, and no I'm not afraid of the injury unless they see that there is a issue with the hipbone being misshapen needing surgery. But even then it's not going to be a big deal. ACL is WAY worse, this injury is what happens when you don't sit with a minor injury.

This being said, I'd rather see Crowder gone over AB. With Tatum and Semi going Brown and Hayward for the wings, we're pretty strong compared to the guards we have right now. 

[Jvalin]

I'm gutted we traded Bradley.

I'd much rather have seen us trading IT instead of Bradley.

Yeah, because that would have really enticed Hayward to come on board.   

No, because I don't want us to pay IT the max next year.

Regarding Hayward, I believe we would have signed him regardless. Having said that, if we can't move the needle past Golden State, it doesn't mean anything. Assuming Hayward wouldn't want to sign with us, I would be OK with Millsap as well (he agreed to a 3-year, $90M contract with the Nuggets - final year team option).

I mean, Hayward makes us the undisputed second best team in the East. Most likely scenario, we lose to the Cavs in the ECF. That's exactly what we would have been expected to accomplish with Millsap instead of Hayward. Not to mention, Millsap would have been a far better fit for us cause we have no one to defend against post scoring 4s, whereas we already had Crowder/Tatum/Brown/Ojeleye(/Nader) defending the 3.

You do realize that IT was the BIG reason that we were EFC right?

Yes, I do. Still don't want us to offer him the max in a year's time.

IT $30+ million
Hayward $29,727,900
Horford $28,928,710

Total : around $90 million for 3 players

We will never win a ring with these guys running the show.