I was all for giving Bradley 20-30 games before I started to judge him, but after 17 he appears so unpolished that he's not going to change my mind any time soon.
Those of us who watched the preseason and that scrimmage realized Moore had a decent amount of NBA potential. Doc choose Bradley instead, and decided against giving Moore any type of significant or consistent minutes to get in a rhythm. I can't say that was a bad choice (or a good one) but I think it's Moore's turn now.
I like his ability to take some of the pressure off of Dooling playing the point (as opposed to AB who manages to add pressure), and also his defense doesn't look as bad as his body suggested. We need offense wherever we can get it. Bradley belongs in the D-League until he gets more comfortable with the ball and stops disrupting our flow.
Moore finally hit a few shots, which were crucial to this win- but once again, Bradley's ball pressure and disruption on Jameer and Duhon were crucial to this win as well.
You seem to be overlooking the pros and cons here.
What is more valuable to this team- and what are we likely to see more of on a consistent basis?
Bradley's defense or Moore's offense?
I'd argue its Bradley's defense. Moore is normally a liability on defense because of his slow feet. His game is structured on hesitation moves and pulling up- almost like Paul Pierce, because of his lack of quickness. He did very well tonight but he spent a lot of minutes playing against grandfather Duhon- not the most athletic guy in the league.
It depends on the match ups and what we need at the time.
Bradley has a much higher ceiling and that ceiling needs to get closer with playing time. He came out of college(after one year where his team under performed), got injured, and has never actually had a training camp with the Celtics.
He needs playing time. Did you see him attack the rim against the Wizards? Yes, McGee blocked him but you can't teach players that kind of killer instinct, taking it straight to the hole through a small gap and attempting to throw down.
He has the athleticism and killer instincts to be a dominant player in the NBA.
I don't know if you've read his scouting reports from high school and college, but he was a good shooter too.
Hopefully he can get his shooting and finishing at the rim to a decent level by the playoffs. Doc knows that he needs time to do this and he's willing to let the dice roll. It's a small gamble giving him this much time, but if it pays off, it will be enormous for us in the playoffs, AND enormous for us if we decide to make a last minute trade-he could be a vital piece that we move.
If he makes it to the playoffs, he'll be able to come in and pressure Rose, Collison, Holiday, Nelson and whoever brings the ball up the court.
I can't count how many times I've seen the opposing team only start their sets with 12-14 seconds on the clock. They panic, put their heads down and charge blindly inside, or shoot a less than pretty jump shot.
He's done enough for me to let him keep playing as the number one 'rookie' for now.
Moore was nice today, if he can keep shooting out of his slump then I'll reconsider things.
Moore is one on one offense, Bradley's defense turns into offense.