Is Avery Bradley Ainge's next Al Jefferson?

[TheRev72]

We all know that Ainge subscribes to the "star theory" of building a championship team, that is, you almost always have to have one of the best players in the League to win it all. That's why he went out and got KG to bring #17 to Boston. The price was Al Jefferson and a lot spare parts. It was definitely worth it.

I love Avery Bradley, but I wonder if he's Ainge's next Al Jefferson - a young prospect that, with additional parts, could bring back a true superstar. The way Bradley is playing, and the contract he's on, mean he would likely have incredible value on the trade market - especially if he leads the team on a deep playoff run. And if that happens, I would not be surprised to see Ainge look to trade him to bring the Celtics their next "star" to pair with Rondo going forward in the post-KG/PP era.

Maybe he tries to tap Minny again and make a go at Kevin Love?

The whole things leaves me a little torn like it did back in 07. I hated to see Al Jefferson get traded but I couldn't argue with the results.

[Fafnir]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

[CelticConcourse]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

Andre Igoudala??

[clover]

What Danny did the last time around was to trade the fool's gold guys with offensive luster (ahem, Big Al) and keep his defensive gems (Rondo, Perk).  I fully expect him to do the same this time.  I expect JET to go before Lee, and could see Sully gone before Bradley.  (Too bad Bass is so tarnished now!)  Crawford could be built up to Gomes/DWest throw-in status IMO.

If anything, no-longer-so-defensively-great Rondo could be Danny's big trade card this time around.

[gpap]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

Exactly. As good as Avery is, shooting guards are looked at as a dime a dozen in the NBA.

HOWEVER, should Jeff Green continue to play as well as he's been playing, then a Bradley/Green package COULD (key word, COULD) net you something decent.

It's unfortunate that Sullinger went down because if he had stayed healthy and continued to play well, that could've only added to Danny's assets.

[TheRev72]

A lot of good insights here. But my point is that isn't Avery really the only player on the team that could potentially net the "star" Ainge will undoubtedly be looking for? Players like Green or Jet will not whet anyone's appetite to unload an unhappy superstar. Avery potentially could.

As to the size issues. I think now is actually an opportune time with regard to the value of shooting guards. There are simply not a lot of dominant players at that position right now (compared to point guards). Combine that with the fact that Avery is probably one of the top five perimeter defends in the league, AND can guard point guards - who are so important these days - that I think he may have more value now than a guard would generally have in the League.

[Celtics18]

I'm hoping to see Sully recover from his back issues and be able to play big, meaningful minutes next season.  Maybe he can turn into our next Al Jefferson.

I'd rather keep Rondo and Bradley (and Green, too).

[BruceBanner18]

A lot of good insights here. But my point is that isn't Avery really the only player on the team that could potentially net the "star" Ainge will undoubtedly be looking for? Players like Green or Jet will not whet anyone's appetite to unload an unhappy superstar. Avery potentially could.

As to the size issues. I think now is actually an opportune time with regard to the value of shooting guards. There are simply not a lot of dominant players at that position right now (compared to point guards). Combine that with the fact that Avery is probably one of the top five perimeter defends in the league, AND can guard point guards - who are so important these days - that I think he may have more value now than a guard would generally have in the League.

I disagree.  I think Green is undervalued by C's fans.  He is one of the 'new breed' of hybrid athletic, long multiple position players that teams seem to covet.  I think he has more value than you give him credit for (especially as he starts to assert himself).

I think Bradley has value too, but less than Green.

[CelticConcourse]

A lot of good insights here. But my point is that isn't Avery really the only player on the team that could potentially net the "star" Ainge will undoubtedly be looking for? Players like Green or Jet will not whet anyone's appetite to unload an unhappy superstar. Avery potentially could.

As to the size issues. I think now is actually an opportune time with regard to the value of shooting guards. There are simply not a lot of dominant players at that position right now (compared to point guards). Combine that with the fact that Avery is probably one of the top five perimeter defends in the league, AND can guard point guards - who are so important these days - that I think he may have more value now than a guard would generally have in the League.

I disagree.  I think Green is undervalued by C's fans.  He is one of the 'new breed' of hybrid athletic, long multiple position players that teams seem to covet.  I think he has more value than you give him credit for (especially as he starts to assert himself).

I think Bradley has value too, but less than Green.

Agreed. Green is very valuable. Nine million could be fair value or a steal in a year or three, great signing.

[LarBrd33]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

Especially ones who are 6'2 and 180 pounds.  Bradley is a role player with role player potential.  Jefferson was a starting big man with allstar potential.  Big difference.

[clover]

A lot of good insights here. But my point is that isn't Avery really the only player on the team that could potentially net the "star" Ainge will undoubtedly be looking for? Players like Green or Jet will not whet anyone's appetite to unload an unhappy superstar. Avery potentially could.

As to the size issues. I think now is actually an opportune time with regard to the value of shooting guards. There are simply not a lot of dominant players at that position right now (compared to point guards). Combine that with the fact that Avery is probably one of the top five perimeter defends in the league, AND can guard point guards - who are so important these days - that I think he may have more value now than a guard would generally have in the League.

I disagree.  I think Green is undervalued by C's fans.  He is one of the 'new breed' of hybrid athletic, long multiple position players that teams seem to covet.  I think he has more value than you give him credit for (especially as he starts to assert himself).

I think Bradley has value too, but less than Green.

I think Green and Bradley fit the profile of players that Danny keeps rather than trades.  With or without Rondo I see them slotted in as starters for the next generation.  They may also anticipate either or both of them playing at an All-Star level by next year if they are both starters (though Bradley probably wouldn't be so recognized for another year).

[pearljammer10]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

Especially ones who are 6'2 and 180 pounds.  Bradley is a role player with role player potential.  Jefferson was a starting big man with allstar potential.  Big difference.

Agree here. However I bet a team would be willing to take on Bradley as a big asset for them. However I dont think we could get an all star game changing big man in return.

[SHAQATTACK]

far as guards go, not many I would rather have than AB, this kid has heart.

But, that said bigs are highly prized and good one with star power are highly prized.

Jeff Green stock is surely rising ,  i'm sure the lakers are sick not trading for him.

If Sully returns and continues to improve his game and i think he will be way better eventually with no back pain  , he very well may be the next Big Al,

A good solid big who can start and impact any team he is put on.

[slamtheking]

No because defensive guards aren't valued around the league the same way big men are.

Especially ones who are 6'2 and 180 pounds.  Bradley is a role player with role player potential.  Jefferson was a starting big man with allstar potential.  Big difference.

If Avery continues to show the confidence and agressiveness on offense that he's shown the past 2-3 weeks, he's showing he's a starting SG with DPOY potential.  that's pretty big especially since he's shown he can do a tune on all-star guards (DWade being a prime example)

[Evantime34]

I think the difference is when Ainge traded Jefferson the Celtics did not have a veteran culture in place.

Now with the championship defensive culture fostered by KG, Pierce and others it is easier to develop players to the best of their abilities.