Avery Bradley Thinks He’s ‘Ahead of Schedule’ in Rehab

The Boston Celtics aren’t expecting Avery Bradley to return until as late as January, as he continues to rehab from offseason shoulder surgery. But the young guard feels he could be back much sooner. Per the Boston Herald: “Sitting on the sidelines isn’t easy for Bradley, but he knows it’s necessary. ‘We don’t want any setbacks,’ Bradley said. ‘I try to stay away from contact. I don’t do anything I’m not supposed to be doing like dunking the ball, even though I want to sometimes because I feel so good.’ Bradley was feeling even better yesterday because he was able to begin conditioning. He lifted weights, took jumpers and ran, all with the intention of hitting the ground running when he returns to the lineup. Celtics coach Doc Rivers has pegged mid-December as the target for Bradley’s return, but the 21-year-old is eager to accelerate that timeline. ‘That’s what they have right now. I’ve just got to take it day-by-day and see how I feel,’ Bradley said. ‘I’m ahead of schedule now, so you never know.’ Bradley attempted to play through painful shoulder separations last postseason but was shut down during the conference semifinals. He had surgery on his left shoulder in June and his right shoulder was repaired a month later. ‘I was kind of down, but at the same time, my teammates were telling me, ‘We need you next year.’ I needed to get the surgery now,’ Bradley said. ‘It was tough not being able to play in the playoffs, but I’m excited about this year. I can’t wait.'”