Avery Bradley not traveling with team, likely out through All-Star Break

It appears the Celtics will be without Avery Bradley throughout their upcoming 4-game road trip and potentially through the All-Star break. Bradley suffered an achilles injury just over a month ago against Philadelphia. The team has rightfully proceeded with caution in dealing with this injury and are doing their best not to rush him back into the lineup.

Negative outlook

Bradley had a legitimate shot of making the All-Star game. The 2016 All-NBA Defensive 1st team guard had shown real promise offensively prior to the injury. AB is averaging 17.7 ppg and a team-leading 6.9 rpg this year. Head coach Brad Stevens has been able to deal with the loss, especially with the help of Isaiah Thomas who has picked up the scoring slack to say the least. The fact remains this team is not sustainable without its starting shooting guard (see: 2015-16 first round). With a tough back-court matchup looming against Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum tomorrow night, Bradley will surely be missed.

Positive outlook:

As ESPN's Chris Forsberg points out, Boston is 11-4 without Bradley this season. Nobody has benefited more from his absence than Jaylen Brown. Brown has been coming around the last couple of weeks and an increase in minutes and confidence instilled by the starter-role has surely been a difference maker. Had he been granted similar minutes throughout the year, there would be no question he would be playing in the Rising Stars challenge he recently got snubbed from. Watching the growth of the 2016 3rd overall pick has been a real treat, especially as the wins pile up. Getting Bradley as much rest as possible could really help the C's down the stretch as they chase Cleveland for the #1 seed.

Photo credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

For more Celtics news and information follow Nolan on Twitter @NolanChuck
Share