Avery Bradley has established himself as one of the best perimeter, lock-down defenders in the NBA. In the past few years, fans have grown real appreciation for this man's defensive skills. Recognition came through though with his inclusion in the All-NBA Defensive First Team for the past season. His quick first step, long reach, stamina and physical condition and most important of all, his obsession with defense allowed for his great defensive success.

However, based on Bradley's opinion, all this isn't the reason he is a great defender. Getting embarrassed or exposed by another player does not concern him. This is his big secret. He is afraid of no one and the bigger the opponent name, the bigger the challenge and motivation for him. According to Tom Westerholm of MassLive.com Avery had some comments to make on his defensive skills and attitude :

One of his secrets? Bradley said he isn't afraid of getting embarrassed.

“I love the challenge,” Bradley said on Friday, making an appearance at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “I love going up against the best players. I don't care who it is. I don't care about getting embarrassed. I don't care. Kyrie Irving, none of those guys scare me. I know some players in the NBA probably get butterflies before the game, but not me. I'm licking my lips. I come excited. They need to prepare for me at the end of the day. That's how I think.”

He is easily one of the best perimeter defenders currently and he loves showcasing that. So when he was warned to be careful with certain players or coaches, Avery would have none of it. After all that's what he does best. Specifically, Avery remembered an old story with future Hall of Famers Jason Kidd and Kevin Garnett. Garnett was still in Boston but Kidd was coaching the opposing team. Garnett went ahead and warned Avery not to play his trademark full court press or Kidd would try to expose and embarrass him. Of course, Avery didn't listen.

“I picked him up full court twice and ripped him twice in a row,” Bradley said. “Their coach called timeout, and he started cussing me out like, ‘You don't ever pick me up like that, young boy.' I'm like ‘Man, what did I do?'”

At the end of the day, Avery enjoys doing what he does. He does work on improving his offensive skills as well but being one of the best defender's in the league is not an easy task. And he plans on staying true to him game. “I'm going to play rough,” Bradley said. “I'm going to pick up the entire game. I'm not going to back down. You can cross me, I can fall, I don't care. That's just me, that's who I am.”

We would't want him to change either. A vital weapon in the Celtic's arsenal and their effort on bringing back the franchise to its old glory. At least they know that Avery will be there for them in the most important defensive moments of any game.