Ranking every Sixers player #14 — Tony Bradley
Next in line behind Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard at center, Tony Bradley will get minutes this season — not in the regular rotation, necessarily, but as part of the contingency plan if (when) Embiid or Howard get hurt or rest. Bradley played a similar role in Utah last season as the tertiary big on a team helmed by an elite center.
Bradley doesn’t stand out much in the modern NBA. He doesn’t space the floor, he’s not particularly light on his feet, and as a result, a good number of defensive matchups are inherently unfavorable. Bradley will get torched in space and he’s not quick off the ground, so the Sixers can’t rely on him for much rim protection.
On the bright side, Bradley does have some nifty moves offensively. He has excellent body control and can long-step his way to points in the point. He makes nice use of long sides and sweeping hooks, and displays feather-soft touch at the rim. Get him the ball close to the basket and he has decent odds of finishing.
When it comes to third-string bigs, you could do worse than Bradley. He’s only 22 and on an expiring contract, so the risk is low and the potential reward somewhat high, even if he is limited by the nature of his skill set and athletic profile.
— CHRISTOPHER KLINE