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Utah Jazz: Despite Udoh’s return, Tony Bradley should get his shot

By Ryan Aston

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz center Tony Bradley is proving himself worthy of a better shot at court time with a strong summer league performance.

Given the emergence of Donovan Mitchell as an up-and-coming superstar during his first pro season, people tend to forget that the Utah Jazz had another first-round pick in the fold during the 2017-18 campaign. However, if his summer efforts are any indication, Tony Bradley may be on the verge of ditching the afterthought status.

At the least, he should be given the chance to do so.

Through five summer league games — he missed Utah’s Tuesday showdown with the Miami Heat with a wrist injury — Bradley has looked every bit the part of a big man on the rise. Entering tournament play in Las Vegas, he’s averaging 15 points and nine boards per contest.

What’s more, he’s shown an ability to protect the rim that some felt he didn’t have.

Basketball skills aside, though, his physical attributes have clearly evolved. Bradley is looking stronger, more mobile and he’s taking up more space, too. The 20-year-old has reportedly grown over the last year to the point that he’s pushing seven feet in shoes and boasting a 7-foot-6 wingspan.

Said Bradley (via the Deseret News) —

"“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger and I feel like I’m moving better. Just my body’s different. I’ve put on some muscle, gotten a little leaner and I’ve lost some body fat.”"

For all these reasons, I would implore the Jazz to give him a better bite at the apple. As a rookie, Bradley appeared in just nine games for the Jazz, spending the brunt of his year in the G-League. In year two, that needs to change. Even as the team keeps quality veteran players ahead of him.

On Tuesday, Ekpe Udoh‘s $3.4 million salary for the 2018-19 season officially became guaranteed. The Jazz’s decision to retain his services could very well mean the end of their major offseason dealings.

At the least, it solidifies their frontcourt; Udoh is a world-class defender. I’ve run through the litany before, but some of the numbers on the former lottery pick are staggering —

  • Udoh averaged 3.3 blocks and 1.9 steals per 36 minutes.
  • His defensive real plums/minus (3.66) was a top-10 mark league-wide.
  • Had he played enough to qualify, he would have led the league in block percentage and defensive box plus/minus.

Bottom line — his presence is boon for the Jazz both on and off the court. I’m a fan of his work.

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Regardless, Bradley has shown himself to be worthy of a real shot this season.

And the team should give it to him. Great things happen in the G-League, but Bradley is looking like he’s outgrown it.

Whether or not he’s ready to be Rudy Gobert‘s full-time back-up is too tough to call. But his potential as a scoring big and a rebounder, as well as a burgeoning defensive game, could make him the right long-term play.

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