Celtics’ Doc Rivers: Avery Bradley may return in January

Boston, MA, United States (4E Sports) – Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers disclosed that injured guard Avery Bradley is not participating in the team’s training camp which will start Friday.

“Not even close,” Rivers told ESPN.com, adding that Bradley might return from offseason shoulder surgeries in January.

“I don’t like to put a time limit on injuries, but I don’t think you’ll see him before December — and there’s a chance it could be closer to January,” Rivers added.

The 21-year old Bradley played despite a series of left shoulder dislocations but was shut down in the playoffs to undergo surgery. He later had his right shoulder repaired in early July.

Last month, Bradley said he wasn’t sure when he will resume full basketball activities.

“For any athlete, especially me being a young athlete, it’s hard for me to not to be able to wake up every day and play the game of basketball,” Bradley said. “It’s hard for me. I just have to take it day by day and let my body heal itself.”

Bradley’s strong play last season has prompted Rivers to move veteran Ray Allen off the bench, a move that disgruntled the shooting guard and fueled his move to the Miami Heat in the offseason.

Bradley has given playmaker Rajon Rondo a reliable partner on offense, averaging 7.6 points in the regular season and 6.7 points in the playoffs last season.

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