Los Angeles Clippers: Avery Bradley ready to return to form in 2018-19

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BROOKLYN, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Avery Bradley #11 of the LA Clippers brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets on February 12, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

STRENGTHS

The former Washington native had realized his aspiration of playing in the NBA following his first round selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. Picked by the Boston Celtics as a shooting guard, his work ethic on both ends of the floor eventually bared fruit as he ousted Hall of Famer Ray Allen in a clash for the starting shooting guard position. Hitting a career 36.6% of his shots from beyond the arc, he’s established himself as a dependable spot up shooter. While his free throw shooting necessitates an improvement (77%), a career field goal percentage of 44% evinces his efficiency on the floor. Further his effective off-ball cuts grant him easy looks in the paint.

Renowned as a formidable stopper, Bradley has secured his status as an elite isolation and help defender. His quickness on the floor furnishes him the ability to recover fairly quickly, hence issuing him the privilege overplay opposition guards and forcing turnovers in the process. Compensating for his mediocre height (6’2) with his 6’7 wingspan, his length enables him to intercept passes and switch to multiple positions on defense. Alongside Patrick Beverley, he will form one of the most intimidating collaborations in the NBA and could play a major role in instituting a defensive culture for the franchise.

WEAKNESSES

Classified as a model 3 and D player, Bradley has a defined craft which could lend the Clippers a helping hand. Nonetheless, his shortcomings as a shot creator as a result of his substandard handle hampers his competence on the offensive end, hence functioning as a mere third or forth choice scorer. In addition, his deficiency in playmaking skills (1.7 assists per game) prevent him from operating as a secondary ball handler. While constituting a formidable defensive duo alongside Patrick Beverley, the pair could also represent a subpar backcourt on the offensive end.

While presenting high IQ plays on the defensive end, he poses a mediocre acumen on the offensive end exhibited by his paltry career assist to turnover ratio of 1.13 (1.7 assists, 1.5 turnovers per game). Hindered by a limited skill-set, he will occupy a defined role for the fringe playoff team. However, having featured under Doc Rivers in the past, he could be tailored to his system speedily.

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