Detroit Pistons point guard Avery Bradley listed Cleveland Cavaliers playmaker Kyrie Irving as the toughest player to guard in the NBA. During the Pistons’ online question-and-answer with Bradley, the point guard was asked by a fan who was the “toughest guy to defend in the NBA?” Bradley then replied “Kyrie. Not even close." In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Irving scored 42 points against Bradley’s old team – the Boston Celtics. A well-rounded player, Irving has the outside shooting, a quick first step, and can penetrate anytime.

After that game, Bradley heaped praise on Irving, calling him a great finisher and one of the best point guards in the NBA.

The Celtics traded Bradley and a 2019 second round pick to the Pistons for power forward Marcus Morris to create salary cap room for the four-year, $128 million contract signed by Gordon Hayward.

Bradley is an outstanding defensive player

During his tenure with the Celtics, Bradley was known for his outside shooting and outstanding defense. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team after the 2012-13 season and made it to the All-Defensive First Team last season. With the Pistons and the Cavaliers in the same division, Bradley and Irving will face-off four times next season. Last season, Irving averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists on top of 47.2 percent shooting. Bradley also did his share on offense, averaging a career-best 16.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Playmaker wants to revive Pistons' 'Bad Boys'

Bradley was introduced as the newest member of the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, where he expressed excitement in terms of helping the franchise restore its glory days during the "Bad Boys" era. The point guard is hoping that he can bring a nasty style of play like the "Bad Boys" then, and bring a championship to Detroit.

Bradley also hopes to impart the knowledge that he learned from veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce during their tenure with the Celtics to the Pistons' players. Bradley said that ultimately, the two veterans helped him embrace his status as an NBA professional.

Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy expects Bradley to be a leader on and off the court for the young Pistons. Bradley will wear the No. 22 jersey for the Pistons, who are expecting to team him up with Reggie Jackson if he’s not traded in the summer. Jackson joined Bradley’s introductory press conference.