Avery Bradley injured again: How will it affect free agency?

JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF
Are we getting to the point where Avery Bradley gets that ‘injury prone’ label that no player wants? After Bradley’s second MRI on his ankle, it appears that he could be missing some extended time. Bradley was having a strong start to this season, and it pains me to see him cut down like this. On January 21st versus Miami he initially sprained his right ankle causing him to miss five games. He then aggravated it again after returning for two games, overall causing him to miss 8 of the team’s last 11 games.

Is he just unlucky or can he not handle the rigors of the NBA? Some might say it’s an overreaction to bring up the injury bug after a simple ankle, but the string of injuries in his almost three seasons with the Celtics raises some concerns for me. Head coach Brad Stevens was even keeled in discussing Bradley’s latest setback:

"It's always concerning when a guy is unable to play," Stevens said. "Again, it's not a long-term issue. From everything I can tell, I know our doctors and training staff will do their due diligence. They will be very conservative in bringing him back as we should be."

Will these injuries affect the offers he receives on the restricted free agent circuit this summer? Most likely, and that could play into Danny Ainge’s hand. Danny could now be able to sign him to a more team friendly contract and not handcuff himself like he did with the Brandon Bass/Courtney Lee contracts.

Granted he’s more talented than Bass and Lee, however those contracts are a little on the high side. I love Bradley as a player, but you can’t overpay for a player like him. Don’t forget though this is the NBA, GM’s throw around overvalued contracts like they’re candy. I want Ainge to resign him; he is a solid piece to build with for the future. I think you can win a championship if Bradley is the fourth best player on your team, he can be a shutdown defender and a legit starter. What do you guys think? Hit up the comments section to discuss.

Quotes courtesy of A. Sherrod Blakely



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