Ode to Avery Bradley

[Granath]

Well, it should be an ode but I'm not a songwriter.

So this is an shout out to Avery Bradley. He's 26, entering the prime of his career and has been the consummate team player and Celtic. Avery came into the league as a 19 year old defensive specialist whose long term career seemed in doubt. Every year he's improved something. First it was his team defense. He rounded his 3 point shooting into a weapon. He improved picking his spots so his eFG is a respectable .520. He never lost sight of his defensive-first mentality and was awarded with a well-deserved 1st team NBA all-defensive team award last year. He put up career highs in scoring (15ppg) and tied career highs in assists and steals. Every year the guy gets better. Now it looks like he's worked on his play making ability, giving the team another dimension of attack.

Many here at CB were critical of the contract (I'm on record at the time saying it was a good deal). Many have wanted to get rid of him for years. But he's proven himself to be a wonderful professional and a key player in the Cs climb to prominence.

AB, your efforts are often unappreciated and overlooked but this thread is for you. Thank you.

 

[tazzmaniac]

Well, it should be an ode but I'm not a songwriter.

So this is an shout out to Avery Bradley. He's 26, entering the prime of his career and has been the consummate team player and Celtic. Avery came into the league as a 19 year old defensive specialist whose long term career seemed in doubt. Every year he's improved something. First it was his team defense. He rounded his 3 point shooting into a weapon. He improved picking his spots so his eFG is a respectable .520. He never lost sight of his defensive-first mentality and was awarded with a well-deserved 1st team NBA all-defensive team award last year. He put up career highs in scoring (15ppg) and tied career highs in assists and steals. Every year the guy gets better. Now it looks like he's worked on his play making ability, giving the team another dimension of attack.

Many here at CB were critical of the contract (I'm on record at the time saying it was a good deal). Many have wanted to get rid of him for years. But he's proven himself to be a wonderful professional and a key player in the Cs climb to prominence.

AB, your efforts are often unappreciated and overlooked but this thread is for you. Thank you.

 

I haven't done a complete 180 on Bradley yet but I'm almost there.  Unfortunately I haven't seen the preseason games because of the league pass debacle but if the reports of his improved playmaking and passing are accurate, I'll be there.  I really liked his comments about being in consideration for the defensive player of the year and being recognized as a good two way player.  As long as he does that in a team first way, I'm on board. 

I did always think Bradley would have been a good fit with Durant and Westbrook in OKC.  Now if I were the Sixers I wouldn't be talking to Ainge about trading Okafor or Noel for Smart or Rozier.  I'd want Bradley.  If I were the Bucks, I wouldn't be wasting time on McLemore.  I'd want Bradley.  He's a great fit for teams that want to run point forward offenses.  They probably think that Ainge would want a high price or may not even be willing to trade him.  But I'd still come knocking again and again. 

Edit- Here's a TP for the well done ode. 

[tarheelsxxiii]

Yes, love Bradley. Reason we are writing him poetry in paragraph form on October 8, 2016, though?

[Greyman]

AB doesn't always get the recognition he deserves. Many have wanted him to be used in a variety of trade scenarios. DA and CBS know his value, every time he gets better, the team gets better. If Avery has another improved year the Celtics will go deep into the playoffs. Excluding of course major injuries to AB or other key players.

I know most 'experts' say we are still a player short of being championship contenders. Many of the same experts under value AB and the Celtics team dynamic. I think DA is happy to sit and wait for the right trade because this team has so much going for it that is undervalued. AB is a good example of that.

[LarBrd33]

I wouldn't be too surprised to see him put up near allstar stats with enough minutes.  He's a quality player.

[bello_man09]

he looks like a different player out there. with the way he passes the ball now. he's a hard working dude.

[celticsclay]

I'm very impressed with Bradley. An all star appearance is not unthinkable. If he averaged 17 he would make it.

[trickybilly]

Draft = Danny sucks
Contract = Danny sucks

If Avery has a 50/40/80 season, averages near 20; you could legitimately make a bombastic claim like he is more valuable than steph...

[Granath]

Time to bump this.

Thanks Avery!

[SHAQATTACK]

Like ode to Billy Joe. ?

[Greyman]

Well, it should be an ode but I'm not a songwriter.

So this is an shout out to Avery Bradley. He's 26, entering the prime of his career and has been the consummate team player and Celtic. Avery came into the league as a 19 year old defensive specialist whose long term career seemed in doubt. Every year he's improved something. First it was his team defense. He rounded his 3 point shooting into a weapon. He improved picking his spots so his eFG is a respectable .520. He never lost sight of his defensive-first mentality and was awarded with a well-deserved 1st team NBA all-defensive team award last year. He put up career highs in scoring (15ppg) and tied career highs in assists and steals. Every year the guy gets better. Now it looks like he's worked on his play making ability, giving the team another dimension of attack.

Many here at CB were critical of the contract (I'm on record at the time saying it was a good deal). Many have wanted to get rid of him for years. But he's proven himself to be a wonderful professional and a key player in the Cs climb to prominence.

AB, your efforts are often unappreciated and overlooked but this thread is for you. Thank you.

 

TP  Says it all. Hope he is at Boston when the next Championship is won.

[guava_wrench]

I have always been an AB supporter but acknowledged he was a horrible passer. His passes to the posts were horrific from day one. I am excited to see that he has improved on that. He always had some shooting and his first year he did a great job on baseline cuts at the rim. Considering his defense is always top notch, it is exciting to see him expand his game like this.

[PhoSita]

Bradley has improved every single area of his game since he was drafted.  It's extremely impressive.

Adds something to his game every year.

In the past I've been critical of Bradley because of the limitations in his game.  So far this year he's showing aspects of his offensive game I didn't think he'd ever develop.  He's driving to the hoop, handling on the pick and roll, creating for others, even drawing fouls.  He's also taking a lot more 3 pointers than he once did.

We'll see if Bradley can keep this going.  He's had hot months before.  But he looks really, really good.  I am very impressed.

[otherdave]

Agreed.  He was worked his butt off and it shows.

Very, very proud of him.

[playdream]

Bradley has improved every single area of his game since he was drafted.  It's extremely impressive.

Adds something to his game every year.

In the past I've been critical of Bradley because of the limitations in his game.  So far this year he's showing aspects of his offensive game I didn't think he'd ever develop.  He's driving to the hoop, handling on the pick and roll, creating for others, even drawing fouls.  He's also taking a lot more 3 pointers than he once did.

We'll see if Bradley can keep this going.  He's had hot months before.  But he looks really, really good.  I am very impressed.

This, i was hard on him and i will have to admit he proved me wrong
His passing and rebounding has gone beyond my expectation and it doesn't look like a short spark anymore