Rondo and Bradley

[Celtics18]

I'm interested to know what folks think about a starting guard tandem for the future of Rajon and Avery.  I know that there is trepidation among at least a few out there due to their lack of size  However, I think that despite their combined vertical deficit, they could be one of the best defensive backcourts in the league.   

Offensively, they certainly aren't the highest scoring tandem, but with the right players surrounding them, I believe they could be very good, particularly if they can push the pace and be more of an up tempo team. 

Thoughts?

[timobusa]

They will be a great tandem.
I hope Rondo re-commits himself to playing defense like he has in the past.
If that happens, this back court would be deadly. With Lee coming off the bench to relieve either of them. Terry and Crawford would be a great fire power offensively.

[action781]

I think I like a Bradley-Lee backcourt better defensively.  For many of the taller SGs in the league (Kobe, Joe Johnson, Paul George, Evan Turner) I prefer Lee guarding the taller guard.  Of course, there's a serious offensive trade off here.

[ManUp]

I'm not sold on it. Bradley is at his best covering points and Rondo is too short to guard wings. Bradley is a great point-guard defender, but I need to see more of his defense against the more physical scoring 2s. I want to see more of Bradley against guys like Wade and Harden before I buy in.

[bfrombleacher]

I'm not sold on it. Bradley is at his best covering points and Rondo is too short to guard wings. Bradley is a great point-guard defender, but I need to see more of his defense against the more physical scoring 2s. I want to see more of Bradley against guys like Wade and Harden before I buy in.

He guarded Harden this year. Maybe Kobe Bryant and Wade a little I'm positive. Did a good job on all of them. (Considering that AB only came back, what, late November last year? 1. time flies and 2. AB put in WORK to get back)

Saw this pic after the Hawks game. I don't know if AB grew some (not impossible considering he was 20 when he entered the league) or if the Jet is shorter than listed (probably the latter). He'd be 6'3 and a half if the Jet is 6'2, which'd be nice.

I'd actually like to see AB guard the ball handler (be it the PG or the SG). Him hounding them and burning their clock is really effective.

Plus, Rondo's actually pretty good at defending bigger guys despite being 6'1 (from what some C's fans say and observation). Wingspan and big hands.

[Celtics18]

I'm not sold on it. Bradley is at his best covering points and Rondo is too short to guard wings. Bradley is a great point-guard defender, but I need to see more of his defense against the more physical scoring 2s. I want to see more of Bradley against guys like Wade and Harden before I buy in.

He guarded Harden this year. Maybe Kobe Bryant and Wade a little I'm positive. Did a good job on all of them. (Considering that AB only came back, what, late November last year? 1. time flies and 2. AB put in WORK to get back)

Saw this pic after the Hawks game. I don't know if AB grew some (not impossible considering he was 20 when he entered the league) or if the Jet is shorter than listed (probably the latter). He'd be 6'3 and a half if the Jet is 6'2, which'd be nice.

I'd actually like to see AB guard the ball handler (be it the PG or the SG). Him hounding them and burning their clock is really effective.

Plus, Rondo's actually pretty good at defending bigger guys despite being 6'1 (from what some C's fans say and observation). Wingspan and big hands.

Yup.  Not only is Rondo adequate against bigger guys, but he is effective playing off the ball more.  Avery allows him to do that.

Also, let's remember that we do have a sample, albeit a relatively small one, of the two of them starting together in the backcourt.  The defense has been excellent when Rondo and Bradley have started together.  Of course, I realize that there are other factors, but still, it seems to me that if this were a liability together, the box scores would show that.  They don't. 

I look forward to a full season of a Rondo/Bradley backcourt.  Then, we can really start to determine how effective they can be.  Personally, I think they will be really good. 

[dasani]

Yes, it was effective last season, when both were healthy.

[mctyson]

I'm interested to know what folks think about a starting guard tandem for the future of Rajon and Avery.  I know that there is trepidation among at least a few out there due to their lack of size  However, I think that despite their combined vertical deficit, they could be one of the best defensive backcourts in the league.   

Offensively, they certainly aren't the highest scoring tandem, but with the right players surrounding them, I believe they could be very good, particularly if they can push the pace and be more of an up tempo team. 

Thoughts?

The better question would be:  if Avery continues to develop as a PG, and Rondo continues to shoot like he did this year, could Rondo play off the ball - where he could be devastating.

[CelticsFan9]

I like it.  As long as there is a scoring (and good three point shooter) SF and a post option (hopefully Sully can be that), this team would be fine on offense.

Defensively, we'd need an big anchor (hopefully Melo, but probably unlikely).  I like the idea of Bradley forcing seconds off the clock and Rondo intercepting rushed passes.  And Rondo is actually pretty decent playing post defense (by decent, I mean for a guy who's 6'1").

[LarBrd33]

I think it would be silly to keep both.  PIck a direction.  They are both PGs but with very different skills.  Healthy Rondo is better and has more trade value on the open market...  but with the way this league is going (every team with a great scoring PG), I'd personally just hang onto Bradley.  Great defensive role player.  Try to get a big or an elite scorer for Rondo.

[ScottHow]

I'm all for it. Especially if Bradley continues to improve his outside game.

[Celtics18]

I think it would be silly to keep both.  PIck a direction.  They are both PGs but with very different skills.  Healthy Rondo is better and has more trade value on the open market...  but with the way this league is going (every team with a great scoring PG), I'd personally just hang onto Bradley.  Great defensive role player.  Try to get a big or an elite scorer for Rondo.

I think Bradley's a two (offensively, at least).  I also think that keeping the two of them together represents a direction.  The direction is that of a defensive minded, ball pressuring, up tempo team. 

[scaryjerry]

I think its asinine to think it can't work....when Bradley came back and rondo was still healthy, we won 6 in a row...we haven't been better in the last 2 seasons then when both were starting last season....they are actually extremely good together...this negative vibe crap is based solely on height....yawn

[RJ87]

Yes, it was effective last season, when both were healthy.

Exactly,  there is a small sample size. I know last season is ancient history for some here (short memories), but they were a very good tandem when they played together - on both ends. Offensively, Bradley cutting off the ball made our offense more dynamic - Bradley's just a better offensive player when he doesn't have to think. Defensively,  they were disruptive with AB's ball pressure and Rondo in the passing lanes. If the main concern is size, that's why you keep a bigger guard on the bench like Courtney Lee. I don't see why Rondo/Bradley/Lee can't be our backcourt rotation of the future.  At the very least, let's get them all healthy at the same time and see what they can really do.

[celticsleyte]

I think it would be silly to keep both.  PIck a direction.  They are both PGs but with very different skills.  Healthy Rondo is better and has more trade value on the open market...  but with the way this league is going (every team with a great scoring PG), I'd personally just hang onto Bradley.  Great defensive role player.  Try to get a big or an elite scorer for Rondo.

I think Bradley's a two (offensively, at least).  I also think that keeping the two of them together represents a direction.  The direction is that of a defensive minded, ball pressuring, up tempo team.

I think Bradley is a classic combo guard who will improve offensively at both positions.  His D is already elite.  If he stays healthy Celtic fans are in for a treat.