In a season that has seen too many Boston Celtics players come and go it was one of the more difficult times to select the winner of the Red Auerbach award. A lot of the key players on the team simply have not been a Celtic long enough to even understand what it might mean to win the Red Auerbach award.
The award is given to the player that best represents what is means to be a Celtic and this season Avery Bradley stands above the rest in deserving it.
Bradley may not be a super star high flying player. He struggles with consistency issues on offense and lacks the pure athletic ability to take over games in the paint.
The area where Bradley is unwavering, is also the area that is most important to the Celtics and that is defense.
When Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett were shipped out of the Celtics they ran the risk of leaving a defensive void in the team. While the Celtics are still not spectacular on the defensive side and lack a great defensive presence in the paint, Bradley has been one of the best defenders in the league.
Apr 13, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) high fives small forward Paul Pierce (34) and point guard Avery Bradley (0) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Amway Center. Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 120-88. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Bradley has taken a leadership role on the team and you can bet that he is one of the main reasons the Celtics are playing any kind of decent defense. It is not just Bradley’s pure ability to defend, it has to do with the energy and persistence that he brings on the defensive side of the ball, which just further supports his winning the Red Auerbach award.
Bradley helps establish the attitude of a defense that fights for every rebound and battles harder for every available 50/50 ball. Without a great presence in the paint the Celtics’ defensive success comes from their ability to contest shots and get turnovers and that starts with Bradley.
Bradley has also established a reputation of toughness. Despite having to regularly deal with shoulder issues Bradley remains one of the most consistent presences on the court and never lets an excuse get in the way of playing hard.
Bradley winning the Red Auerbach award may have been more about his attitude and leadership than his production on the floor and that is the best thing for this Celtics team.
In a season full of flux and transition Bradley has been one of the anchors and while the future of many players on the team is uncertain, Bradley has established himself as one of the current cornerstones of the franchise.
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