NBA: DeRozan, 10 Players Exceeding Expectations Early In 2016-17

NBA: 10 Players Exceeding Expectations Early In 2016-17

Nov 2, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Dallas Mavericks 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

8 of 11

Oct 26, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) reacts after his three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 122-117. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Avery Bradley

In a crowded backcourt where most of the attention revolves around All-Star/lightning rod Isaiah Thomas and soon-to-be All-Star/lightning rod Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley has emerged as the best player in the Boston Celtics‘ backcourt so far this season.

I.T. leads the team in scoring at 25.4 points per game, but Bradley isn’t far behind in second at 20.6 points per game. He’s also chipping in a staggering 8.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while doubling as Boston’s most stifling perimeter defender in the starting unit.

Avery Bradley has emerged as one of the best two-way guards in basketball. Elite defender. Has made another big offensive jump this season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) November 4, 2016

Everyone knew Bradley was an elite defender, but he’s also shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and a scorching 48.4 percent from three-point range. With Al Horford and Jae Crowder banged up, Bradley has answered the call to keep Boston at 3-2.

Avery Bradley has been underrated for awhile now, but as he embarks on the seventh season of his career, it appears this 25-year-old shooting guard is ready to prove himself as one of the best two-way players in the association.