Bradley to play primarily backup two this season

[cman88]

this is from an article on ESPN boston:

One change from last season will be moving Bradley out of the point guard position. Although he played sparingly last season as a rookie, the Celtics thought Bradley would fit in as Rondo's backup, especially with his on-the-ball defense.

But with Dooling, Bradley is now being moved to the so-called 2 spot, even though he's not exactly going to bring up visions of Ray Allen when he launches the ball. He shot 34 percent from the field last season and missed all five of his 3-point attempts. He also missed half of his 12 free throw attempts.

"Avery has a chance at the 2-guard spot to make some hay," Rivers said. "I think the experiment of trying to force him into the point guard spot was, in my opinion, a mistake. We've got to make him a player."

I think it could be a good idea to just have him focus on scoring. the kid doesnt have the skills to be an effective playmaker. but that elite speed, he can create some havoc. hopefully he worked on his shooting this summer out to the 3point line

[snively]

One of the biggest bright spots of the offseason for me has been Doc's recognition of this.  Bradley's shown an ability to shoot (38% from 3 in college, 37% in the D-league), and his defensive value is easily recognized, but he's completely incapable of playing point guard.  Can't dribble against pressure, a bad passer, non-existent dribble drive game and very little court awareness.  But he has tremendous defensive potential, good speed, and the makings of a good jump shot.  Simplifying the game by letting him play strictly as a shooting guard (none of this combo guard business: he shouldn't be making decisions other than shooting or swinging the ball) and defending the more difficult match-up of the opposing guards, should give him a much better chance to "make hay" as Doc says.

[Trifecta]

One of the biggest bright spots of the offseason for me has been Doc's recognition of this.  Bradley's shown an ability to shoot (38% from 3 in college, 37% in the D-league), and his defensive value is easily recognized, but he's completely incapable of playing point guard.  Can't dribble against pressure, a bad passer, non-existent dribble drive game and very little court awareness.  But he has tremendous defensive potential, good speed, and the makings of a good jump shot.  Simplifying the game by letting him play strictly as a shooting guard (none of this combo guard business: he shouldn't be making decisions other than shooting or swinging the ball) and defending the more difficult match-up of the opposing guards, should give him a much better chance to "make hay" as Doc says.

I agree 100%. Limit his mistakes by putting him at the 2 where his only options are to shoot or to swing the ball, not creating for others. Play small ball, get him out on the break and let him play above the rim a bit. Could be a good move by Doc.

[Kane3387]

One of the biggest bright spots of the offseason for me has been Doc's recognition of this.  Bradley's shown an ability to shoot (38% from 3 in college, 37% in the D-league), and his defensive value is easily recognized, but he's completely incapable of playing point guard.  Can't dribble against pressure, a bad passer, non-existent dribble drive game and very little court awareness.  But he has tremendous defensive potential, good speed, and the makings of a good jump shot.  Simplifying the game by letting him play strictly as a shooting guard (none of this combo guard business: he shouldn't be making decisions other than shooting or swinging the ball) and defending the more difficult match-up of the opposing guards, should give him a much better chance to "make hay" as Doc says.

I agree 100%. Limit his mistakes by putting him at the 2 where his only options are to shoot or to swing the ball, not creating for others. Play small ball, get him out on the break and let him play above the rim a bit. Could be a good move by Doc.

I like what Doc said about making him a player. Screw the position and the label. We just need a contributor off the bench.

[csfansince60s]

One of the biggest bright spots of the offseason for me has been Doc's recognition of this......... he shouldn't be making decisions other than shooting or swinging the ball) and defending the more difficult match-up of the opposing guards, should give him a much better chance to "make hay" as Doc says.

+1....I think that this particular area of versatility, to either be a hounding defender of the opposing pg harrassing the ball as it's brought up or being a blanket to slower 2 guards by denying them the ball will give him decent PT with Doc

[Smokeeye123]

Defensively Bradley is NBA ready and very very good...He seemed to get a steal or two every game he was in last year, (Albeit he was always put in around garbage time, but still). I think with some development he can learn to be a Tony Allen like player.

[PosImpos]

Defensively Bradley is NBA ready and very very good...He seemed to get a steal or two every game he was in last year, (Albeit he was always put in around garbage time, but still). I think with some development he can learn to be a Tony Allen like player.

A 6'3'' Tony Allen with a credible jumpshot and more of a combo guard than a 2/3.  that would definitely be nice.

[Smokeeye123]

Defensively Bradley is NBA ready and very very good...He seemed to get a steal or two every game he was in last year, (Albeit he was always put in around garbage time, but still). I think with some development he can learn to be a Tony Allen like player.

A 6'3'' Tony Allen with a credible jumpshot and more of a combo guard than a 2/3.  that would definitely be nice.

I agree it would be, especially for the youth starved C's...Not sure if Bradley can slam dunk like Allen but otherwise I think he has the ceiling to be like Tony.

[Who]

Looking forward to seeing how A.Bradley fares defensively at the two.

I am doubtful that he can guard bigger players ... it'll likely be the deciding factor on whether he makes it there or not.

[j804]

Looking forward to seeing how A.Bradley fares defensively at the two.

I am doubtful that he can guard bigger players ... it'll likely be the deciding factor on whether he makes it there or not.

Yup see what he does the plan is to have him at least slow down or decently defend the Wade's or Hamilton's well be seeing out east.

[raynman]

...Or we could just sign Gilbert Brown - 6-6, lock-down defender, can shoot threes, can attack the rim, can play SG/SF.. I've had enough of undersized players.. 

[mgent]

Well yeah, who else is going to do it when Marquis is hurt?

[tyrone biggums]

...Or we could just sign Gilbert Brown - 6-6, lock-down defender, can shoot threes, can attack the rim, can play SG/SF.. I've had enough of undersized players.. 

He can do that and was UNDRAFTED? WOW!!!
I don't understand how people are disregarding a 1st round pick from last year who spent quite a bit of time last season healing from injuries.

[apc]

Doc is going to let the inexperienced Bradley play...i believe it when i see it.

[pearljammer10]

Better than seeing him at point guard... I dont think he'll see much time however. Hopefully Daniels and Pavlo take his minutes.