Avery Bradley; how good can this guy be?

[ScoobyDoo]

I read through that rookie ranking article where Bradley received 'high marks from his peers'. A few notables..

1. At 41.7 % of the vote and in a land slide, he was ranked as the best defender of this rookie class. That's impressive as he's only a sophomore.

2. Ranked in the top 5 I think in athleticism ( always a good thing )

3. Also ranked highly in shooting and playmaking and the liklihood of being most overlooked and also possibly having the best NBA career.

So we've got top tier defense combined with great athleticism, good shooting and playmaking ability...That sounds like a pretty well rounded talent.

I've never seen the guy dribble a ball ( outside of some highlight clips, whichcould make even me look like an All-Pro), or at least like a Will Farrell in Semi-Pro...

For those who have seen a good dose of him, how good do you think he actually is or will be in the NBA?

On another note: it was good to see Luke get some recognition from his peers as well, though this doesn't suprise me. These guys have seen him play and know he "can play" regardless of his apparent shortcomings. I personally expect Luke to have a very long and successful career as an 8th or 9th man, dirty work, utility type player on some very good teams.   

[filmexec]

IF we bring these two (Avery & Luke) along slowly as they both
have major lapses in their games. Put them on the Perkins program and in a year or two these players have the potential to be major contributors!
 

[jr_3421]

I think the key for Bradley is if he can defend the SG position. From what I've heard and read, that is his natural position offensively. If he has to play PG, I don't think his future is as bright as its the hardest to position to learn.

[PosImpos]

I imagine his ceiling is probably something along the lines of a more athletic Delonte West with better perimeter defense (probably not as good shooting).

[footey]

Key will be if he can be an effective 3 point shooter. That is what separates the wheat from the chaff among guys his size in the NBA. 

[kg is king]

Well he was ranked #1 on the ESPNU top 2009 prospects. So I am guessing the potential for him is kind of high? 

[kg is king]

Key will be if he can be an effective 3 point shooter. That is what separates the wheat from the chaff among guys his size in the NBA. 

With Terrell Brandon, he utilized his mid-range game to perfection and Bradley already has a very good mid-range jump shot. He will be okay if Doc gives him some minutes...most likely not this year.

[wdleehi]

I am hoping for good third PG able to step in and play this season.


Two years from now, I expect a strong defensive 1st second PG.  



Anything more then that is a gift for the Celtics.  

[Assassin70]

I hope we got a steal just like we did with Rondo.  But he is going to need some PT.

And I dont mean Red Claws PT.

[Fan from VT]

I think his range is Dahntay Jones (but smaller with some pg ability) to Joe Dumars if everything goes his way. So middle-case scenario he could be someone like Arron Afflalo.

[jdub1660]

Flip Murray

Undersized SG, can guard PGs/SGs, run the point, dunk and shoot

That's probably what Bradley will end up being. If he can become efficient from 3, then he could get good minutes in the league, most likely in a 2nd unit

[Roy H.]

Flip Murray

Undersized SG, can guard PGs/SGs, run the point, dunk and shoot

That's probably what Bradley will end up being. If he can become efficient from 3, then he could get good minutes in the league, most likely in a 2nd unit

I think he's much better defensively than Flip has ever been, and from what I've heard, he's got better vision / passing instincts.  I think comparing Bradley to Flip may be selling him short.

[CelticHooligan3]

It will be interesting to keep an eye on this guys minutes as the season progresses. He really is looking like the big wild card this season on the team. I could see him sitting on the bench/Maine all season or actually pressing Nate for minutes at the backup one spot.

I'm a big Nate guy but this kid has a lot of potential from what ive seen and read and I ultimateley want what's   best for my team so I hope the battle in training camp is heated and very competitive. It can only raise both players level of play. And the product on the floor should equal an increase in productivity at the backup one.

He just needs to keep a never back down attitude towards Rondo and Nate ( unless he's on the road gettin his rookie hazing ) on the court in practice and camp. Which is obviously easier said then done but from his earlier ROY goal statements the kid isn't lacking any confidence and is clearly setting his goals high. Which to me although slightly unrealistic are a very positive sign. I like that cocky/driven attitude in a player. Somtimes it can turn into a Rondo type. Other times it can turn into a J.R. Rider type so I guess well wait and see. But I'm looking forward to watching to see how this story progresses.

[xmuscularghandix]

I think his ceiling is Joe Dumars, just like it was said on here before. Defensive stopper at the 1 and 2, with a strong mid-range game, excellent of of catch & shoot situations, average playmaking ability, who could eventually move his range to the outside.

I could see this kid putting up 16-4-2 a game with strong defense. (that’s Joey D)

[gar]

Think that with Delonte Sitting the first part of the season and him missing summer league, he will likely get some run during preseason and maybe even during the beginning of the regular season. But, look for him to head for D league once Delonte can play. Let's hope he blows the doors off during that period nad he plays alongsicde Delonte. Would love to see Avery and Delonte spelling Rondo and RA.