Celtics: Projecting Brad Stevens’ Starting Five and Rotation

Mar 27, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) grabs a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Boston Celtics won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Shooting Guard: Avery Bradley

The longest-tenured player on this Boston Celtics’ roster is guard Avery Bradley. He is far from a superstar, but Bradley is the kind of player that any NBA team would love to have.

He is truly an elite on-ball perimeter defender. Bradley has made a mark in this league by simply shutting down opposing guards on a regular basis. He has nice athleticism, and while he is on the small side for a two-guard, he makes up for it with incredible toughness and relentless aggressiveness.

When it comes to perimeter defense, it is hard to find a better player than Bradley. Him and Smart could become the best defensive backcourt duo in the entire league.

Offensively, Bradley is a solid ball handler, makes strong decisions with the ball in his hands and has become an above average shooter. Bradley’s entire offensive repertoire is limited, but he is never going to kill you with the ball in his hands. He can set up teammates well, and hit an open shot. Bradley will rarely make an exciting play driving to the hoop, but he recognizes his limitations.

Bradley has averaged 14.9 and 13.9 points per game in the last two season’s respectively. Also, early in the preseason, he has shown a much-improved outside shot, which could pay major dividends for the team moving forward. Combine that kind of offensive output with elite defensive skills, and the Celtics have a strong starting two guard in Bradley.

Next: Small Forward