Doc should play Bradley during Delonte's absence

[vinnie]

One thing to remember -- they were 8-2 while Delonte served his suspension. Not saying they are not a stronger team with him, but saying there were a strong team while he was out. Also, if he is out for almost the entire season, I don't think he will be much of a help in the playoffs.

[guava_wrench]

TP for this one.  Doc has been reluctant to play young guards.  At this point, with Delonte and Rondo out, I think that he should give the kid some PT.

Perhaps this is because there were better alternatives. Doc is probably reluctant to play someone when he can play someone better. And he should be.

[Eja117]

I guess if he plays 15 minutes against the other team's second string it shouldn't be a disaster.
Plus you never know. The kid could be really good.

[Tough Juice]

^The kid is really good, he just is out of luck with the injuries, now he got a shot at Raptors game, and we need to see him in play, HE MUST GET HIS CHANCE

[Jevi]

Avery better get some run, it's time for his development to enter phase two. He'd strictly come in for pg defensive purposes. It'd be upsetting to not play a 1st round draft choice with the team in need. We've certainly seen 2nd rounders get run under Doc even without an injury. Both he and Wafer should be given a chance due to injuries. If not he'd better be sent down to Maine. Evaluations must begin on these players in game situations, not just practice. If they don't use him in this situation, he'd better be in trade discussions come the deadline.

[Surferdad]

Bradley is not likely to get meaningful minutes, even with Delonte out, though you might see him on Friday vs. Toronto because Rondo won't be back.  However, after that, the guard rotation will consist of Rondo, Nate, Quis, Wafer.  So there's really no need for Bradley and in any case, you know how Doc feels about rookies.

[Birdbrain]

One thing to remember -- they were 8-2 while Delonte served his suspension. Not saying they are not a stronger team with him, but saying there were a strong team while he was out. Also, if he is out for almost the entire season, I don't think he will be much of a help in the playoffs.

I'm not sure how much a hindered a reserve guard who will play 15 - 20 min a night will be with a long layoff.  It will take time to get his groove but, the guy has already dealt with missing major time and it's not his shooting hand so I suspect if things go well it will pretty seamless. 

Regarding Bradley the guy is just quick as Rondo and I hope they can find some minutes for him but, they still have Robinson coming off the bench so probably not very much.

[Phil125]

Rondo is going to be out atleast another game or two.  I'd love to see what Bradley can do over what we know wafer can do. 

Bradley's upside Vs. Wafer is not even close.  Lets see what he can do.

I have a very hard time seeing Nate as our backup PG of the future.  Its Bradley's for the taking.  If he wants it.

[RJ87]

Von Wafer will be getting a lot of playing time.

Doubt it.

x2
He couldn't get consistent minutes while Delonte was suspended, I don't see that changing unless he magically developes some type of basketball IQ overnight.

All I've heard about Bradley till this point is how good his defense is. I do think Doc will give him a few mins and hopefully his defensive intensity will help him get a larger role in the rotation.

[Reggie's Ghost]

From Doc:

"I really do hope we can get him out on the floor as soon as possible," said Rivers. "Even if he doesn’t know the stuff, he needs [to play]. Just to break the glass and go play a little bit."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4677126/pregame-notes-shaq-to-start-jo-limited

"It's tough, honestly," Rivers said. "I was talking about it today, about Avery. He's played -- I think [assistant coach] Lawrence [Frank] or [assistant coach] Kevin Eastman said it today -- he's been through three full practices this season, including training camp. And he's a rookie, and we're going to throw him on the floor. So, at times, we've just got to protect him. We don't want to ruin him. And he's not healthy, yet; not great health. So, it's what we have.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics

Seems to me that as soon as he's healthy enough to go, Doc wants to get this kid some minutes.  Now's the time folks, he's not playing in April...

[snively]

From Doc:

"I really do hope we can get him out on the floor as soon as possible," said Rivers. "Even if he doesn’t know the stuff, he needs [to play]. Just to break the glass and go play a little bit."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4677126/pregame-notes-shaq-to-start-jo-limited

"It's tough, honestly," Rivers said. "I was talking about it today, about Avery. He's played -- I think [assistant coach] Lawrence [Frank] or [assistant coach] Kevin Eastman said it today -- he's been through three full practices this season, including training camp. And he's a rookie, and we're going to throw him on the floor. So, at times, we've just got to protect him. We don't want to ruin him. And he's not healthy, yet; not great health. So, it's what we have.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics

Seems to me that as soon as he's healthy enough to go, Doc wants to get this kid some minutes.  Now's the time folks, he's not playing in April...

Sounds like Doc wants a lot of blowouts so he can get Bradley some pressure-free minutes to get comfortable with the NBA game.  Doesn't sound like Doc;s comfortable giving him any meaningful minutes.   

I think the best thing for Bradley would be getting some time at the 2 with Rondo.  Free him from the confidence-breaking ball pressure, and the brain overload of directing the offense.  Puts him in a position to run simple pick and rolls from the wing, shoot off of kick-outs and play hard-nosed D.

[celticinorlando]

looks like more minutes for nate...and wafer until rondo comes back

[Eddie20]

Von Wafer will be getting a lot of playing time.

Doubt it.

He showed good effort last night. Particularly on the defensive end.

[gar]

Surprising as it seems, Doc mentioned Wafer's effort on defense after the game. I don't know why people are so wild about Marquis at point. Devin Harris abused him. He has trouble staying with quicker point guards as would Wafer. Bradley is the only one who can shut down quicker point guards, so Doc does have a problem here.

It is not youth that the C's struggle against, it is speed. Everyone on the team but Rondo and Nate have lost a step or were not that quick to begin with. Bradley may be the quickest of the bunch, but he needs to learn how to keep it in control.

[Alleyoopster]

Amazing Bradley is healed already. I don't believe it. Only a month ago Doc was baffled as to which course of treatment the trainers were going to take.  Now, he's ready to go full tilt?  Rest him until January or February.  No need to make this condition chronic by rushing him back.