Avery Bradley is Much Bigger and Willing to Play Point Guard

Next season is a very important one for Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley — he’s in line for a contract extension, or could end up becoming a restricted free agent. Bradley has bulked up considerably this summer, and says he’d be happy to hold the fort down at point guard until Rajon Rondo returns to the lineup. Per CSNNE: “There are many things that Bradley is thinking about heading into this season, but his contract status apparently isn’t one of them. ‘I really don’t focus on that,” Bradley said. “I just focus on winning games, doing what I can do for my team.’ And just as quickly as he forces ball-handlers to change directions, he soon did the same with questions regarding his contract. ‘I can’t wait for the season start,’ said Bradley who helped congratulate the winner of the Re/Max of New England ‘Home Court’ makeover program in addition to leading a basketball clinic in Barrington. ‘I’m in the gym every day trying to get better. I can’t wait until training camp.’ […] ‘It was hard,’ Bradley said of seeing his former teammates (Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce) and head coach (Doc Rivers) leave all at once. ‘We are all like a family. It was hard on everybody. All we can do is wish the best for each other and just move on from there. When we see each other, there’s always going to be love.’ And for those who love Bradley’s physical brand of play, there’s literally more to love these days. Two-a-day (and sometimes three-a-day) workouts this summer in addition to more weightlifting and a modified diet, has resulted in Bradley adding significant bulk to his frame. ‘My body, I feel a lot stronger,’ said Bradley who now weighs 196 pounds which is the most he has ever weighed. ‘Sometimes when I’m walking down the streets of Boston, people say, ‘Man you look a lot bigger.’ Bradley, who has weighed around 180 pounds most of his career, said he hopes to go into the season weighing about 188 pounds. Not only will the added weight allow him to be an even more physical defender than he is now, but it should also result in his body being more sturdy for the rigors of this upcoming season. […] While the Celtics remain hopeful that his torn right ACL injury will heal in time for him to start the season, all indications are that Rondo’s return will most likely be sometime in December. That means Bradley may once again find himself having to play more at the point guard position than off the ball, which is a more natural spot for him to play. ‘Whatever my role is, whatever I can do to help our team out, that’s what I’m going to be open to doing,’ Bradley said. ‘Rondo will still be there to play that leadership role and help everybody out. Even if I’m not playing point guard, whoever it is, I’m pretty sure whoever is, Rondo is going to be there in his ear to try to help us be the best team we can be and win a championship.'”