Introducing (For Now): Avery Bradley

Posted by Zach Lowe on Jun 24, 2010 891991 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F06%2F24%2Fintroducing-for-now-avery-bradley%2FIntroducing+%28For+Now%29%3A+Avery+Bradley2010-06-25+01%3A34%3A23Zach+Lowehttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D8919

UPDATE (9:55 P.M.) Just returned from Doc Rivers presser here at the TD Garden and by all accounts it sounds like the Celtics will keep this pick and groom Avery Bradley to be “Rondo’s understudy.” Doc noted the team liked two players available at that spot, but liked Bradley more. Raved about his defense, said needs to work on PG Skills. No new news regarding his return, says will make a decision before July 1st. – B Robb

The Celtics have selected 6’3” Texas freshman Avery Bradley. It is unclear if they will keep Bradley or deal him for a couple of other guys picked later in this draft.

For now, here’s the book on Bradley: An elite defender who was unprepared to man the point last year at UT but shot the ball extremely well. A combo guard, and very much a work in progress. Via DraftExpress:

Avery Bradley is considered one of the best defenders in this group, and his situational strengths characterize him as a potential high-level role-player.

And:

While he’s certainly not the most dynamic offensive threat at this point, Bradley was very solid in spot up situations. With a sizeable 30.5% of his touches coming from such opportunities, he shot a second ranked adjusted field goal percentage of 60.9%. The least prolific player running the pick and roll (.57 points per possession) and a mediocre isolation player, Bradley was heavily reliant on his jump shot to score points.

And:

Nearly 75.7% of his half court shots were jumpers, and he led all players with a 43.1% shooting percentage on such attempts. Despite being a prolific shooter, Bradley is the worst finisher in this group, averaging 0.754 points per-shot.