BOSTON- The Boston Celtics were treated to a light shoot around session while in Turkey on this current Euro trip. Normally a light shoot around by a player is neither a big deal or a treat, but when that player is coming off two shoulder surgeries and was believed to be out until January originally then the light activity of hoisting up shots takes on a different meaning. When guard Avery Bradley stepped on to the gym floor and started hoisting up shots, Bradley let the world know that he was very much ahead of schedule on his recovery from multiple shoulder surgery.
While Bradley has not been given a time table to return, the fact he has been cleared to shoot is a very good sign that he will be back sooner than later. The fact is Bradley’s young body has responded very well to rehab. If Bradley suffers no setbacks, then a return date at the end of November would not be all that surprising.
Bradley coming back into the fold for Boston sooner than expected would be huge for the Celtics for a couple of reasons. The Celtics would be getting one if not the best on ball defender in the NBA to add to the vaunted Celtics defense. The defense is just so suffocating with Braldey on the floor because with Kevin Garnett and Bradley being able to lock down their men without much help, the other Celtics are free to double and take care of their own defensive duties.
Bradley would also help the guard rotation immensely. Bradley could either start along side Rajon Rondo and allow coach Doc Rivers to employ his best lineup from last season. Rivers would then be able to employ Jason Terry and Courtney Lee off the bench to provide scoring and defense. If Rivers would like to bolster the bench and provide more balance for the second unit, then Bradley could bring his defense off the bench to help give the bench unit an added defensive dimension that perhaps the second unit is missing. A defensive stopper that can still score paired with Terry and Jeff Green would give Boston a very potent second unit.
The bottom line is Bradley is clearly ahead of schedule on his rehab. When Bradley returns, the Celtics will be deeper and much harder to matchup with. Bradley will be adding his talents to the Celtics newly built juggernaut sooner than later. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!
