Avery Bradley "very close" to returning to practice

The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn recently tweeted that Avery Bradley is very close to returning to practice:

If it's any consolation for #celtics fans, an NBA source told the Globe that Avery Bradley is "very close" to returning to practice
— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) November 29, 2012

This is good news for Celtics fans, since right now we really could use both his defensive abilities as well as the spark he provides.

WEEI's Sean Grande also had some interesting stats to back up the importance of Bradley's presence on the court:

Celtics last two years: When Avery Bradley plays 0-10 minutes:13-17. When Avery Bradley plays 11+ minutes: 34-17
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) November 29, 2012

So the Celtics are definitely better when Avery plays more minutes. However, even though Bradley might be close to returning to practice, he might suit up for the Red Claws before taking the court with the Celtics. WEEI's Paul Flannery suggests that Bradley might get a few warm-up games in the D-League before coming back to the NBA:

Doc has suggested a couple of times that Avery Bradley could -- emphasize could -- go to D-League when he comes back to get games in.
— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) November 28, 2012

In any case, the sooner Bradley can return, the better.