Damian Lillard, Other NBA Stars Slam Avery Bradley's Defensive Team Snub

Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley was left off the NBA's All-Defensive teams announced Monday, per NBA.com, which didn't sit well with many of his fellow players. 

Portland Trail Blazers guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were among those critical of the decision (NSFW):

Celtics teammate Isaiah Thomas thought Bradley wasn't the only Boston player deserving of a spot:

"

Damn Avery, Smart or Jae didn't get all defense??? That's a JOKE!!!

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) June 26, 2017"

The first team consisted of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul and Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley.

Bradley received the most points (46) of those who didn't make either of the teams—even more than second-teamer Giannis Antetokounmpo's 35—but he fell behind Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen and San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green at the position. New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson rounded out the second team.

Plenty of other players expressed their disagreement:

John Wall laughed at the entirety of the voting results:

It should be noted opponents actually shot 2.1 percent better than their normal averages when Bradley guarded them this season, per NBA.com. What's more, Boston's defensive rating was better when Bradley was off the court (103.8) than when he was on it (107.5), per NBA.com.

He also played in just 55 games, missing a significant chunk of the season.

To be fair, he was tasked with guarding the opponent's best backcourt player on an almost nightly basis with Thomas often seen as a defensive liability, and he clearly did enough to earn the respect of his fellow players around the league—even if the advanced statistics tell a different story.