Avery Bradley ties D-League record with nine steals
Avery Bradley notched nine steals last night for the Maine Red Claws, tying a D-League record in the process. I should be impressed, right? Okay, I’m impressed. Nine steals is a whole lot of steals, especially in a professional basketball game. But though I’m admittedly impressed, I wouldn’t call myself encouraged.
Why not? Because we knew Bradley’s defense puts opponents in a phone booth. We knew he could play defense at an NBA level even before he made the NBA, and we still know he can play defense at an NBA level even after his demotion from the NBA. What we were looking for Bradley to work on was offense, where Bradley has proven to be a shaky ball handler and unsure shooter. And do you want to know his offensive stats from last night? 4-13 shooting, six turnovers, and though he did post 14 points and seven assists, the shooting and ball handling — the two things I was hoping would improve — haven’t shown any indication of being NBA-ready.
Through seven games in Maine, Bradley’s shooting 39.8% from the field. He’s turning the ball over 4.29 times per game, in only 30 minutes per game. And while I like his three-point shooting (36.4%), every statistical indication says that Bradley’s still figuring out his role as a point guard. That will take time, I know, especially considering that Bradley played off the ball during his lone college season.
But if Bradley can’t handle the ball or shoot a decent percentage at the D-League level, he’s not ready to handle the ball or shoot a decent percentage at an NBA level. No matter how many steals he accumulates in one game.
All that said — nine steals? Damn, that’s a lot.
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Celtics Blog | Jay King | January 31, 2011
At least he is playing and working on everything. His offense and ball handling will come. But it’s his defense that will get him time when he is ready and back with the Cs. And we won’t have to worry about him jacking bad shots like NR does lately (although I only saw one bad one yesterday) and he can be a lock down defender. I’d rather Bradley guard Rose if and when RR gets into foul trouble than NR. But that’s just me. Go Cs…thanks for the update on Bradley, too.
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I’d rather have Bradley guard Rose, too. But — even after Robinson’s shaky month or so — I’d still rather have Robinson in a game. For now, at least, while Bradley acclimates himself to a new position.
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If NR plays better and as he did early in the season then yes I’m all for it. But yesterday was one game and I need to see what he does in the next 10-20. Hopefully, he’ll think more about his shot selection. I don’t mind misses, as that happens, but just lousy decision making is another thing altogether. And his has been really lame lately as you’ve posted. Go Cs…
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good looking out!
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