Avery Bradley will be the next Russell Westbrook

[nickagneta]

Okay, I'm a huge fan of Bradley and have been saying he would be good since the start of the year. But even I'm not willing to compare him to Westbrook, who right now is probably bordering on being a top 10 player in this league. Completely different players.

Long term I see Westbrook as an Allen Iverson type player.

Long term I see Bradley as a Joe Dumars type player, except for the fact that Dumars had an incredible handle and excellent passing skills, things Bradley will never have. His passing and handle will get better but never to Dumars level.

But his defense, his quiet tough demeanor, his sweet mid range game, his efficient offense, his playing to his strengths are all Dumars like.

He will never reach the heights of Dumars but I see a lot of similarities, especially when paired with Rondo as a back court. Nasty, fast, tough little guys that will defend the ever living heck out of you and have that championship attitude. Best comparison I can come up with.

[get_banners]

Avery is still developing his game, so I think it is hard to compare him to anybody just yet (look at his progression with the corner 3 in the last month as proof - does he become a 3 point shooter moving forward, a slasher, a _____?). What I think we know is that he plays great defense, can cover the 2 decently due to his long arms and quick feet (which is really important because I think that's his spot next year), can serve as a passable PG when Rondo is out of the game, and has a decent offensive game. As long as he's fast (which means, short of injuries, the next decade), he can be a great cutter and slasher who happens to have a solid jumper. That is to say, he is probably going to be a very good starter for us. If he keeps improving his offense and adds better playmaking abilities, then the Dumars comparison makes a lot of sense. But either way...man...I am happy about his play. Looks like we got a good one.

[Evantime34]

I don't think Bradley is the athlete Westbrook is (especially when it comes to elevation and finishing in traffic), Westbrook is also much faster with the ball in his hand going end to end. However I think Bradley is a better defender right now. He's better cutting off the ball and his shot selection is much better.

In the end I see Westbrook as a player who will compete for the MVP in the future, where I see AB as a consistent all star starting in two years but I don't see him as having the ceiling westbrook does.

That this comparison is even being made speaks very well of the Celtics future going forward.

[rickyfan3.0...]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

[Celtics4ever]

I think Bradley will be good but not that good.

[celtics2]

When he plays PG he is similar to Westbrook of a few years ago, but with less desire to shoot (which makes sense given the respective team's situations)

Hes clearly effected by Docs rules, you can tell Bradley wants to be a scorer in this league, but Doc doesent let him, he wants him to play a role.

He would be a 20 ppg scorer no doubt in my mind if Doc told him "we need you to score, take the game over"

Right now hes the 5th option and Docs basically telling him, pass the ball to everyone else first, only shoot if your wide open or on garbage clean up plays.

There are entire possessions where Bradley doesent even touch the ball, and I wonder why, its like, the guy can score and get his own shot, let him score, stop ignoring him on offense. Hes been putting up 20+ point games like nothing lately, and plays arent even being called for him.

I'm not a Doc fan but he's right. Let the Big Cats eat first. AB is getting his points. Thanks to Allen's sprain AB got his big chance. We were a toss up playoff team at that point and he turned the team around with his energy. No one matches his energy on the team. He's going to be a Celtic for a long time. I started watching again once he came on the scene. I love this Kid. I also appreciate Allen's contributions but his time is coming.

[European NBA fan]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

Meet the Russells:


 
I don't know which Russell, MP should be compared to, though :

[Celtics4ever]

Hard to say but sometimes Stiesmsa reminds me of Hellboy.

[letsgoblue86]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

Meet the Russells:


 
I don't know which Russell, MP should be compared to, though :

TP, where'd you find this gem?

[CelticG1]

Hard to say but sometimes Stiesmsa reminds me of Hellboy.

I think his Dad might be Jax' dad from SOA

[nickagneta]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

Meet the Russells:


 
I don't know which Russell, MP should be compared to, though :

TP...absolute classic pic.

[European NBA fan]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

Meet the Russells:


 
I don't know which Russell, MP should be compared to, though :

TP, where'd you find this gem?

Mickael Pietrus tweeted it after the Bobcats game. I love that guy!

[thestackshow]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzErWqN2980

I just noticed both of them wear the same number #0

In that video they look identical in body size and height. So I dont get the "westbrook is big" argument, they are the exact same size.

[alajet]

In that video they look identical in body size and height. So I dont get the "westbrook is big" argument, they are the exact same size.

Not much of a difference, but it's all about perception. Westbrook is a whole lot more explosive, he is super fast while running at his defender and can dunk.
I don't think AB is going to be this type of a player, so, it's natural for him to look "small" from this perspective.

[RockinRyA]

So we now have the next Russell Westbrook and Bill Russell (SteamBoat)

Meet the Russells:


 
I don't know which Russell, MP should be compared to, though :

Bryon Russell?