Bradley is in impressive company...

[crimson_stallion]

I just decided to take a quick dig at the stats, and it turns out Avery Bradley is on of only 5 players in the NBA averaging at least:

15 PPG
45% FG
44% 3PT
75% FT

The other four guys are:

Kawhi Leonard
Stephen Curry
Kevin Durant
Klay Thompson

That is some mighty impressive company.

Technically Marc Gasol also makes the list, but I chose to exclude him since his 0.1 3PT Per Game is not nearly enough to qualify him lol

[LarBrd33]

He's been phenomenal.  I didn't think it was possible for Bradley and Thomas to play together in the back court due to their size.  But with them both playing at an all-star level, it makes me wonder what kind of role Smart will play when he returns.

[Hemingway]

We can probably bring Smart off the bench at least to start. Let IT get the opposing pg tired buy running fast for the first 5 or 6 minutes then we can sub Smart in. The good thing is that no one on our team seems like they will make  stink if they don't start. With AB, IT and Smart at the 1 and 2 you could really make a strong argument for any pair starting.

[loco_91]

We can probably bring Smart off the bench at least to start. Let IT get the opposing pg tired buy running fast for the first 5 or 6 minutes then we can sub Smart in. The good thing is that no one on our team seems like they will make  stink if they don't start. With AB, IT and Smart at the 1 and 2 you could really make a strong argument for any pair starting.

I think we should choose which of the three to start based on matchups. For most games, I'd say you want to start Smart in part to set the defensive tone and in part to get some scoring on the second unit.

[The One]

This is a testament to hard work, patience, and grit.

Slow and steady progress can yield great results over time.

A great example for the rest of the Celtics' young pups...and a good life lesson for all of us.

[manl_lui]

I just decided to take a quick dig at the stats, and it turns out Avery Bradley is on of only 5 players in the NBA averaging at least:

15 PPG
45% FG
44% 3PT
75% FT

The other four guys are:

Kawhi Leonard
Stephen Curry
Kevin Durant
Klay Thompson

That is some mighty impressive company.

Technically Marc Gasol also makes the list, but I chose to exclude him since his 0.1 3PT Per Game is not nearly enough to qualify him lol

You can definitely see Bradley's improvement this year...all those criticism from last 2 years really motivated him to work on his ball handling.

[max215]

It's so much fun having a lights out shooter. It's the first time since we had Ray and PP that I expect a Celtics player's threes to fall.

[kozlodoev]

You can definitely see Bradley's improvement this year...all those criticism from last 2 years really motivated him to work on his ball handling.

I like players that show improvement in the middle of a big contract.

[Evantime34]

It is crazy how far Bradley has come since being a player whose only offense came from back door cuts.

While he is having a break out year, I have seen small improvements to his game every year. It just so happens that the cumulative changes have become more noticeable this year.

[Rosco917]

I'm happy to say Avery is one of these players that have an upside well into their mid and late 20's.

Avery is a good person, with character, a hard worker, he appreciates the position he's in. That just can't be taught. 

[BudweiserCeltic]

He's been phenomenal.  I didn't think it was possible for Bradley and Thomas to play together in the back court due to their size.  But with them both playing at an all-star level, it makes me wonder what kind of role Smart will play when he returns.

I've always been curious why people are so quick to point out the lack of size for Bradley. Certainly in an instance here and there it might cause issues, and certainly, he's at his best when he's guarding PGs, but since he came to the league he's been very effective guarding SGs as it is. Better guarding them than most "good sized" SGs in the league.

So his size is not a problem, and has never been.

[RockinRyA]

He's been phenomenal.  I didn't think it was possible for Bradley and Thomas to play together in the back court due to their size.  But with them both playing at an all-star level, it makes me wonder what kind of role Smart will play when he returns.

I've always been curious why people are so quick to point out the lack of size for Bradley. Certainly in an instance here and there it might cause issues, and certainly, he's at his best when he's guarding PGs, but since he came to the league he's been very effective guarding SGs as it is. Better guarding them than most "good sized" SGs in the league.

So his size is not a problem, and has never been.

Some posters before argued that he will have a hard time on offense because he is short, forgot who was one of the primary believer but its one of those pessimists.

[Celtics18]

You can definitely see Bradley's improvement this year...all those criticism from last 2 years really motivated him to work on his ball handling.

I like players that show improvement in the middle of a big contract.

Avery Bradley has never seemed like the type of guy who would get a nice contract and then get lazy.  I think most can agree that his work ethic, his attitude, his leadership, his "character" qualities are--and have been since he entered the league--top notch. 

[Monkhouse]

He's been phenomenal.  I didn't think it was possible for Bradley and Thomas to play together in the back court due to their size.  But with them both playing at an all-star level, it makes me wonder what kind of role Smart will play when he returns.

I've always been curious why people are so quick to point out the lack of size for Bradley. Certainly in an instance here and there it might cause issues, and certainly, he's at his best when he's guarding PGs, but since he came to the league he's been very effective guarding SGs as it is. Better guarding them than most "good sized" SGs in the league.

So his size is not a problem, and has never been.

Defense wise it isn't as huge of a problem, but being 2-3 inches taller or a lengthier wingspan would've for sure benefited him.

His height is what forces him to be unable to finish inside. Bradley is what he is, an improving 3 and D guard with the potential to improve on other aspects since he already has great qualities that lead to progression: hard worker, defensive mentality, good catch and shoot, hustle guy, and overall a great guy to have in the locker room, and also a gym rat; something that is dying.

I'll never give Kobe the dire respect he deserves, but people forget how hard Kobe works in the gym, and the results are clear as day.

[strokeracevt]

I can't see a anyone starting from our backcourt besides AB and IT right now. With the way both of these guys are playing they need to and deserve to start games. I like Smart but he will have plenty of playing time to show an improvement in his shooting and driving. Really happy for both of them.