Avery Bradley is surely the feel-good surprise story of the year on this team. But not far behind him is Brandon Bass, who came in and simply worked hard at whatever role Doc Rivers put him in.

celtics - Brandon Bass quietly makes his case - WEEI | Paul Flannery

As Bass began to learn the culture, he also began to figure things out on the court. Over a stretch of 20 games from March 19 to April 22, he averaged almost 15 points and seven rebounds per game. He recorded 17 double-digit scoring games and five double-doubles, while the Celtics rolled to a 14-6 record and took command of the Atlantic Division. Among big men, Bass takes more jumpers from 16 to 23 feet than all but five players, and at 48 percent, his shooting percentage is second only to Dirk Nowitzki. He’s also become a better finisher at the rim, where he’s made 63 percent of his chances the last two months, up from 48 earlier in the season.

It is so hard to evaluate Bass on this team without comparing him (favorably) to Big Baby's tenure here. There's no drama with Bass. No searching for his role. No barfights (knock on wood) or emotional outbursts. Just quietly efficient and grinding it out. I'm really enjoying having him on the team and hope he sticks around for a while.