Phoenix Suns Free Agent Targets to Help Devin Booker: Avery Bradley
NBA veteran Avery Bradley resembled one of the few bright spots on the lowly 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers. For the year, he shot 39.0 percent from deep—his fourth best shooting clip for a season in his career.
It’s important to note that Bradley also shot at that rate while averaging 3.4 attempts per game. Only during one other season in his 12 year career has he shot at such a high percentage while averaging that many attempts per game.
It feels fair to say that Bradley’s shot has aged like fine wine. This makes sense given how that skill was something he did not come into the league with and consequently needed to work it on over the years.
So why will that help out Devin Booker? Well, Booker’s greatest improvement last year came from beyond the arc as well with him shooting a career-high 38.0 percent from deep. By adding another polished shooter in Bradley, the Suns can space the floor more adequately for Booker to find room for more 3-pointers and consequently build on the steps he took last season.
The other portion of Booker’s game which he started to improve last year, defense, also resembles a strong suit of Bradley’s. Bradley remains one of the game’s better defensive two guards from the past decade, certain to help out as someone whispering in Booker’s ear as he aims to become a two-way player.
Avery Bradley's defense on Shai = textbook 📚 pic.twitter.com/hbV6A0Ze05
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 11, 2021
Either as a sub or on-court companion, Bradley’s retained skills promise to help take some pressure off Booker as well. Bradley remains a two-time NBA All-Defensive team member and flashed his defensive prowess on occasion last year in LA.
Although he may not seem it, Bradley is just 31 years old. Between his experience and remaining abilities, he feels like the perfect guy to help Booker evolve.