Avery Bradley talks leaving Celtics, future with Pistons in new interview
The general feel of the piece is surprisingly positive and professional, even for the consummate professional that is Bradley. Frankly speaking, I wouldn't have been surprised or offended in the slightest if he seemed a little bitter about leaving a team in many ways he was a quiet, steadying force in for so long. While by no means one of the more flashy players on the team, his grit and focus had long been a crucial component of the Celtics we perhaps grew too attached to in a cut-throat trade.
But amicable and positive Avery was, as always - even when asked about his departure (per Narciso):
"I knew it would be a hard decision. I was open to it, though. I knew if I didn't sign this summer that it was going to be a possibility that I could be moved because it's beneficial for both parties, you know, for Avery Bradley and the Celtics. At the end of the day, I want to do what's best for me, and they have to do what's best for them. They felt like it would be a better opportunity for me somewhere else to give me a chance to not only continue to grow my game but for me to have an opportunity to take care of my family."
I'm not going to lie, I may end up missing Bradley at least as much as Isaiah Thomas, if only for the so-called "veteran leadership" that oozes from a man still a good way away from 30 years old. The Pistons are getting a lot more than Avery's unmatched defense and nascent offensive game, they are getting the presence they have lacked in terms of leadership on a talented team that can't seem to ever put it together. And Bradley is excited for his new team, too (again, per Narciso):
" I feel like anything is possible. Where we're able to buy into what Stan [Van Gundy] is trying to do, we have a lot of talent. If we're able to put that all together and everybody buys in, we can have a special year. ... I want to help bring more leadership to help this team and just bring that hard-working mentality to the team ..."
There's a lot more good stuff in there worth checking out, so give it a look if you haven't already - there's even a little on his basketball camp - I am so unsurprised rebounding is emphasized in some of his drills.
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