We’ve heard Avery Bradley is a great defender. We know Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge practically salivate about this kid’s lock-down potential. In highlight tapes, we see Bradley’s physical skills — the 40-inch vertical, the arms that extend for days, and the elite quickness. Defense should be his calling card.

And the rest of his rookie class agrees. The NBA surveyed 40 rookies about the best players in their rookie class and they voted Bradley the NBA’s best rookie defender, by a landslide. Players could not vote for themselves, NBA teammates, or college teammates. (NBA.com)

Which rookie is the best defender?

1. Avery Bradley, Boston — 41.7 percent
2. Hassan Whiteside, Sacramento — 8.3 percent
3. Lazar Hayward, Minnesota — 5.6 percent
Ekpe Udoh, Golden State — 5.6 percent

Others receiving votes: Cole Aldrich (OKC), James Anderson (SAS), Eric Bledsoe (LAC), Trevor Booker (WAS), Jordan Crawford (ATL), Ed Davis (TOR), Devin Ebanks (LAL), Derrick Favors (NJN), Xavier Henry (MEM), Damion James (NJN), Gani Lawal (PHX), Quincy Pondexter (NOH), Lance Stephenson (IND), Terrico White (DET)

It seems right that Celtics are getting the player considered the best defender in the class. Relative to top guys for most of the other categories, Bradley dominated this question.

Bradley also received votes for most athletic, best shooter, best playmaker, most overlooked and “which rookie will have the best career?”

But I’m not sold on the results. I feel like NBA.com is lying to us. There’s no chance in hell Luke Harangody received zero votes for most athletic rookie. No chance. I demand a recount.