A Possible Solution for "the Bradley Problem"

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Most of us are familiar with the main pros and cons of Avery Bradley's game (good defense, not-so-good dribbling and outside shooting), and although I think he's improved on his deficiencies (but still has a long way to go with them), he seems to have a particular strength that I haven't seen or heard mentioned.

As I've watched the last few Celtics games, it suddenly stood out to me: Avery Bradley seems to be pretty darn good at moving without the ball, particularly with his cuts along the baseline and around the rim. In last night's game against Cleveland, for example, I for sure remember three times that he got loose in those particular areas and was able to receive the pass, go right up and score (notwithstanding the one time at the end of the first or second quarter when he was in a similar position and fumbled the ball).

If Bradley's ever in the game with Rondo (not the greatest scenario, I realize), or regardless of who's in with Bradley, it might be a good idea for Bradley to just look to be a cutter, particularly along the baseline.

Has anyone else seen what I'm seeing? Thoughts?

[PosImpos]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

[j804]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

They can be real pests that's for sure, even against big teams they'd be able to harass opposing bigs and get back to there man would also be beast on the break

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

That's a good comparison.

[BballTim]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

  I wonder if he's going to get his act together on his shooting eventually. I didn't watch a lot of him in college but the scouting reports that I read had him listed as one of the better shooters in the draft.

[nickagneta]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

  I wonder if he's going to get his act together on his shooting eventually. I didn't watch a lot of him in college but the scouting reports that I read had him listed as one of the better shooters in the draft.

I saw a bunch of him that year at Texas because i wanted to see a bunch of Damion James. He can hit the mid range shot like its a lay up. Doc and Danny have admitted as much publicly and said in practice he rarely misses the mid range shot.

He obviously has a confidence problem in front of the big crowd and television. Once that goes away, Bradley will be a weapon, IMHO.

BTW, to the OP...Doc has noticed. That's why that's what he has him doing.

[PosImpos]

Bradley has looked like his best offensive game is probably going to be in the style of Tony Allen.  His lack of shooting is a liability, especially alongside a non-shooter like Rondo.  However, Rondo and TA seemed to work well together when TA was here, so perhaps that's a combo we can rely on.

  I wonder if he's going to get his act together on his shooting eventually. I didn't watch a lot of him in college but the scouting reports that I read had him listed as one of the better shooters in the draft.

His form has always looked good as far as I can tell, and in some garbage-time games his mid-range shot has gone in nicely.

Hopefully it's just a case of him playing a little bit too fast and nervous in games that matter.

He also may be used to getting into a rhythm as a shooter, whereas on the Celtics he only gets an opportunity to shot a couple times a game -- unless it's garbage time and he can do whatever he wants.

[raynman]

Avery and Marquis are good cutters.. They're our 'Dexter' Duo! 

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

BTW, to the OP...Doc has noticed. That's why that's what he has him doing.

Excellent. Ultimately, that's all that matters.

[chambers]

I still have hope that Bradley with find some shooting touch.
Doc and the staff say that he hits the same shots in practice over and over, and he just needs to relax a bit.
I mean he is airballing shots more than anyone I've seen lately. This is a bad sign, but it's also a sign of complete and utter nervousness and pressure.
If Doc says he can shoot, I believe he can shoot.

[dtrader]

Bradleys not a good dribbler, passer, or shooter.  Simply telling him to not dribble or shoot isn't really a solution though.

Plus, he already basically does what you're saying.  He's got 11 points against the raptors now, and it's basically all from cutting, and fast breaks.  Thats his game.  The issue, is figuring out what he's going to do when he's not left open on his cuts or involved in a break away.  Then he'll have to either create his own offense, or become a play making passer, and he hasnt shown the ability to do either.

[nickagneta]

I still have hope that Bradley with find some shooting touch.
Doc and the staff say that he hits the same shots in practice over and over, and he just needs to relax a bit.
I mean he is airballing shots more than anyone I've seen lately. This is a bad sign, but it's also a sign of complete and utter nervousness and pressure.
If Doc says he can shoot, I believe he can shoot.

That fall away from the paint over Gray was pretty impressive tonight.

Also impressive his ability to finish around the rim over the last 8-9 games. He's like 28 for 60 in his last 9 games and getting better.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Bradleys not a good dribbler, passer, or shooter.  Simply telling him to not dribble or shoot isn't really a solution though.

Plus, he already basically does what you're saying.  He's got 11 points against the raptors now, and it's basically all from cutting, and fast breaks.  Thats his game.  The issue, is figuring out what he's going to do when he's not left open on his cuts or involved in a break away.  Then he'll have to either create his own offense, or become a play making passer, and he hasnt shown the ability to do either.

Tony Allen wasn't much of a dribbler or shooter, either, and he carved out a nice role not only with his defense but his cutting game. Quis is in a similar position, though his dribbling is at least a little better, I think. Bottom line: those two guys have established themselves as NBA players who defend and cut; I think Bradley could be in the same mold (though it sounds as though, according to Doc, Bradley can consistently hit the midrange J, he just needs to get some confidence and overcome the jitters).

[xmuscularghandix]

Rondo will be traded, no problem.

Pass first point guards aren't important.

[bfrombleacher]

I think we need to get a wing who can run the offense if we're planning on keeping Bradley. Someone like OJ Mayo is perfect since he can play on and off the ball. I wonder if Austin Rivers can do the same.