Avery Bradley Returns to Practice, No Timetable for Return to Games

by NESN Staff on Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 3:56PM

Avery Bradley practiced on Monday for the first time this season as he continues his progression back from double-shoulder surgery last spring.

The third-year guard took part in the Celtics’ full 90-minute practice in Chicago, according to multiple reports, without any setbacks or incidents. The Celtics play the Bulls at the United Center on Tuesday night, but Bradley is not expected to be active for that game and there is no timetable for his return to to game action.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said earlier in the season that the 22-year-old Bradley would be out until at least mid-December, and possibly closer to January, so Bradley appears to be on schedule in that regard. Bradley has been doing conditioning work and shooting every day since doctors cleared him for such activities.

Bradley even sent out an optimistic tweet on Monday afternoon:

Great practice today #teamc's
—
Avery Bradley (@Avery_Bradley) December 17, 2012

The Celtics have missed Bradley’s ball-hawking defense and all-around energy on both ends of the court. In 64 games last season, including 28 starts, Bradley, averaged 7.6 points mostly on cuts to the hoop. He showed an improved jump shot as the season went on. The team moved Jason Terry back to the bench in the team’s last two games, possibly to get the sixth man more reps with the second unit in preparation for Bradley’s return to the starting lineup.