It was real important for me [to go overseas],” he said. “I got a chance to play point guard, play 30 minutes a game, and (work on) parts of my game I wasn’t able to work on last year.
“Going there that was one thing my agent told them — that I needed to play point guard,” Bradley said. “That helped my confidence level. Coming into this year I’ll have more confidence playing against these guys. Last year I was a little nervous because of the people on our team. Some practices I didn’t even want to get in because I was so nervous. Now I feel like I’ll be ready. Everything I can learn from Rondo I’ll take and put into my game.”
Avery Bradley Courtesy Of Boston Herald
Delonte West brought a lot of talent to the table for the Boston Celtics. West was a solid pit bull like defender that could guard point guards and shooting guards. His defensive abilities fit in perfect with Boston’s defense first mentality. West was also a capable shooter and could score off the drive. In short he was a valuable guy to have off the bench.
However, West was far from perfect. As a point guard directing the offense, West was O.K. There were times that his decision making could be questioned. Those that do not feel that way can look at the fact the bench struggled to score with West directing traffic. West could set up the offense, but as far as seeing the floor and getting teammates’ easy looks, that was just not in his game. This led to Rajon Rondo at times playing on the floor at the same time as West. Rondo is not resting if he is directing the second unit.
West also did bring a lot of baggage to the team. I realize West has a Bi Polar disease and cannot help himself at times, but there is always something going on with this guy. The Gloria James Rumors and weapons issues in Cleveland and the fights with teammates in Boston are just too much of a distraction. These issues off set a lot of the positive attributes on the court.
The decision to let West walk was made easier due to the fact Ainge has a man on the roster that can bring a lot of the important aspects of West’s game to the Celtics. That man is none other than second year player Avery Bradley. The time for Avery Bradley to step up is now.
Ainge knows that in order to get by teams with the likes of Dwayne Wade and D-Rose that Boston needs a guy that can come in and make these guys work for their points like West did. Bradley even as a rookie showed an ability to be that guy. Bradley did not get a ton of minutes, but the one aspect of his game that he showed was that he was an aggressive pit bull like defender. Bradley pressured his man and fought through picks like his life depended on it like Delonte West did. Bradley used his great speed and athleticism to say with his man. After a rookie season under his belt, Bradley should be a lot more familiar with the defense and be able to show case a lot more of that talent of his on the defensive side.
The issues with Bradley replacing West are in his offensive game. Bradley had zero clue about how to run an offense. The great news for Celtics fans is Bradley realized that and worked hard this off season. Bradley went and played in the impact league. He worked out with all star point guard Rajon Rondo. Bradley took a contract to play overseas for a few weeks. Bradley played point guard as much as he could to get better at his craft. If nothing else reports are that he is a lot more comfortable and confident playing the position this season verses last season. This should lead to much better play at the point guard spot from Bradley because a confident player is always more productive than a guy second guessing himself (See Jeff Green playoff performance last season for proof). Bradley should get a shot to get the minutes to really improve his NBA game with the shortened season and the need to spread the minutes out.
The other issue is Bradley is just not that great a shooter right now from long range. At this point Bradley has a decent mid range shot and can get to the basket with his great speed and athleticism. I know some of you are laughing at this statement because Bradley did not really show those skills last year. However, those that watched practice with the team and saw the last game of the season that Bradley poured in 20 points against the Knicks know that these skills are there. The issue with Bradley was he was not confident enough to call his own number out there on the floor. However, West stretched the floor with his long range daggers. Bradley just does not have that skill set right now. He is practicing to expand his range, but that process takes time. The good news is the Celtics got Keyon Dooling and he is more than capable of stretching the floor.
The Celtics have a serious hole with West’s departure. The team needs that defender off the bench that can guard these great scorers a t the guard spots. Bradley can be that guy. Avery Bradley has all the tools to make big contribution for Boston this year. He is coming into camp more confident and is ready to fight for some minutes and a role with this team. I hope he gets his shot to show that he is ready. Remember Go Green or Go Home!!!!
[...] Boston Celtics Avery Bradley Made Delonte West ExpendableRant SportsBradley should get a shot to get the minutes to really improve his NBA game with the shortened season and the need to spread the minutes out. The other issue is Bradley is just not that great a shooter right now from long range. …and more » [...]
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