Boston Celtics: Redrafting the last decade of first round picks

Original pick: Avery Bradley

New pick: Avery Bradley

The 2010 draft was the most uneventful talentless draft in the last decade. Other than John Wall, Gordon Hayward, and Paul George, not a lot of transcendent players came out of the draft. The Celtics, with the 19th pick actually probably made the right move drafting Avery Bradley.

The team did not need a player like Trevor Booker, or a project like Hassan Whiteside. What they did need was situational off-ball defender, who knew how to make an impact without taking away possessions. Avery Bradley was all of that coming out of Texas, with the potential to be more, considering his age.

In his first couple of seasons, Bradley did not see much time on the court, but as he became a more consistent shooter and playmaker his role increased significantly. Bradley became one of the few bright spots on the team for a while.

Until the Celtis acquired Isaiah Thomas. The duo, who already played together in AAU, complimented each other perfectly. Thomas a greater scorer, while Bradley would force guards to spread out. Thomas carried the offense, while Bradley held the guard down on defense, covering for the blemish in Thomas’s game.

The Celtics turned into competitors for the title as the two started to reestablish their chemistry with one another in the backcourt. Even though Bradley never became a superstar, his unsung talent was exactly what the Celtics needed.