New York Knicks: Players for Frank Ntilikina to study in isolation

Avery Bradley

If Frank Ntilikina is looking for a player who balances elite defensive prowess with undeniable offensive value, then a former New York Knicks rival might be the answer. A 10-year veteran, former Boston Celtics standout Avery Bradley was the epitome of a two-way player.

Bradley isn’t necessarily regarded as a playmaker, but he’s an excellent three-point shooter who manages to provide a valued scoring punch in addition to his defense.

Bradley’s defense was a catalyst to Isaiah Thomas becoming an MVP candidate in Boston. Thomas’ defensive woes are well-documented, which made Bradley’s ability to pick up both point guards and 2s with regularity all the more important.

Bradley was capable of creating transition scoring opportunities with his defensive playmaking, but the key to his success was his on-ball prowess.

Much like Ntilikina.

Offensively, Bradley is a career 36.4 percent shooter from beyond the arc. Since he became a full-time starter in 2012-13, he’s averaged 13.0 points and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game on that identical figure of 36.4 percent shooting from distance.

For what it’s worth: Even after the injuries, Bradley currently ranks third in the NBA amongst guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus while shooting —again—36.4 percent from three.

If Ntilikina could match that offensive value while continuing to develop on defense, he’d be a vital piece of the puzzle.