Avery Bradley (AP)

If there’s one thing the Celtics think rookie guard Avery Bradley can do right away, it’s defend. That’s also the opinion of his fellow first-year players who overwhelmingly voted Bradley the top defensive player in the rookie class, according to a survey posted on NBA.com. ^[3]

It’s not surprising that Bradley won the player vote, but what is interesting is that he dominated the results.

Which rookie is the best defender?

1. Avery Bradley, Boston — 41.7 percent
2. Hassan Whiteside, Sacramento — 8.3 percent
3. Lazar Hayward, Minnesota — 5.6 percent
Ekpe Udoh, Golden State — 5.6 percent

Bradley also received votes in categories ranging from best shooter and playmaker to most overlooked and likely to have the best career.

One other interesting tidbit from the poll: Kobe Bryant was the runaway winner for favorite player among the rookies.