Avery Bradley Still On the Mend

by Greg Payne on Aug 22, 2010 7:00 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

I meant to post excerpts from this article earlier in the week, but it slipped my mind. Well, better late than never. Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston caught up with Avery Bradley at the rookie photo shoot in New York, and Bradley discussed his continuing rehab from left ankle surgery.

"It's the first time I've put on basketball shoes in a while," Bradley told ESPN.com during a break in the action Tuesday. "But it's the first time I've put on the jersey, and it feels good to have 'Boston' and my name on the back. It's cool."

"It's really tough," he said. "You kind of feel like you're behind. So I try to do as much as I can -- lift weights -- so I can at least be out there with other people. I'm still in shape. But it's definitely tough not being able to play and show your coaches and teammates what you got."

Bradley has been in Boston since the day after the draft and will finally get to show his teammates and coaches what he's capable of later this month.

"We're hoping two weeks [or] a week and a half, I should be back," said Bradley. "I can run and do everything now, but I need to just let injuries like this heal and just take their time. So that's what we're doing now. We're hoping a week and a half I'll be back."

Personally, I'm very intrigued by Bradley, and I'm really interested to see if and how he's used this season. I still find it hard to believe that a 19-year old kid can make any type of substantial impact on such a veteran-laden team, but if his defense really is as good as they say it is, maybe Doc Rivers won't have a choice but to play him. I'm not sold on him as the team's backup point guard, which is why I think Nate Robinson was brought back into the picture. Either way, the kid's got potential, and potential's something we generally feast upon.

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Can't wait to see him on the court!

Dutch Celtic Pride

by Nowee on Aug 22, 2010 8:18 AM EDT reply actions

+1

Great pick by Danny.AB and nate in the backcourt will be fun to watch. the kid was raked #1 coming out of high school

by CelticsHoorah!!! on Aug 22, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

GO Avery. He needs to work hard on his game before training camp. Facing Rondo, Ray, Nate and Lafayette in training won't be easy.

by Global Celtic on Aug 22, 2010 8:24 AM EDT reply actions

we can use him at sg

Ta was only a bit taller then him
Now dat we have wafer,quisy,nate in the fold I dnt mind having avery in the mix, makes us more deep

by stylo617617 on Aug 22, 2010 9:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Questionable Impact

I love this kid on paper and from the limited video I have found. Trouble is, we havent seen him against NBA level speed and skill yet. If he can hang athletically, the mental part should come quickly. It’s not like we are dealing with Gerald Green here on the BBIQ. My reality check tells me he will spend a month or so in the D league before Christmas and then if he is doing well in practice he will see a few minutes.

I think his real window will be next year, barring injury to someone ahead of him.

"First fix their hearts"-Eizo Shimabuku

by billysan on Aug 22, 2010 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

I see Bradley competing with Wafer for backup SG

Obviously, at the moment, Wafer has the edge, but, I’m guessing Bradley will get an opportunity to show what he has in pre-season. I can’t see Bradley supplanting Robinson as the backup PG, no way Doc lets a rookie have that much control of the 2nd team offense. However, if he can play the type of defense they think he can, and fit into the offense, he may be able to take some minutes from Wafer, who is going to have to prove himself also.

by KG's Knee on Aug 22, 2010 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Great situation for Bradley

Danny did a great job of adding Wafer and re-signing Robinson and allowing this kid to develop at his own rate. The pressure is off of him to perform right away and he’ll contribute when he is ready. May be this year, maybe not….but he is so young, just develop him, let it unfold and give him the minutes when he earns them.

by bewareofdware on Aug 22, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

Very Intrigued

Co-number one freshman recruit (along with John Wall), played for dysfunctional Texas team, already known for lock-down defense…a lot to be hopeful for.

by Fan from VT on Aug 22, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions

I'd give Bradley and Harangody every chance

to win a backup wing spot, with Daniels and Wafer the default options, for now, if the rookies don’t.

I still think Harangody can and will play backup 3 this year. Bradley may be a year away.

"People don't understand, if you can't live the rest of your life off one year in the NBA, you can't live off 21." -- Keon Clark

by Eeyore III on Aug 22, 2010 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

concur

We all understand that Harangody may have trouble fitting in on defense at the 3, given his 4/3 tweener size. But offensively, he fits very well so that should earn him some minutes. Harangody’s offensive game is much more polished than the typical rookie and the fact that he can score both inside and outside is a huge plus – especially as a SF in our offense.

Bradley’s game is not as mature so I agree he may not have a real impact until a year or two. But his upside potential is through the roof.

by mmmmm on Aug 22, 2010 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions

im a huge avery fan hes got a chance to get in rotation only has to beat out the likes of nate vone wafer and daniles they all suck major donkey and daniels will be hurt by mid dec

by thuggedoutinGreen on Aug 22, 2010 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

I can’t wait to see Bradley play. I was so happy when we drafted him. Him and Rondo together will be fun to watch. I can’t wait until we play a team with a small back court like Warriors.

Bradley could be a better a more well-rounded Monta Ellis.

by kofanis0880 on Aug 22, 2010 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

IF he sees the court at all

it will be in mid January to showcase him for Feb.

by Nut from NH on Aug 22, 2010 5:46 PM EDT reply actions

foot injuries are so tricky. do not pull a pedroia and come back too soon . take it slow with fhis kid and your rewards tho late in coming will be that much sweeter.

by nazzbo on Aug 22, 2010 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

j.r. giddens / bill walker: deja vu?

i’ve got to see first if doc really gives p.t. to bradley, being a rookie. can’t
believe the wasted talents the c’s gave away, giddens and walker, high
potential ballers!
got to wait and see, considering doc’s veteran first approach…..

by Vince_frmthePhils on Aug 22, 2010 11:02 PM EDT reply actions