Avery Bradley to return to Celtics practice in 10 days, could start season in D-League

Avery Bradley could return to Celtics practice in 10 days. (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said that guard Avery Bradley will return to the team in 10 days and could start the season with D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, according to a report from A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sportsnet:

"We'll see how his progression is. But [a D-League stint is] a consideration for sure. As of right now, we're planning for him to come back to practice in the next week to 10 days."

As Blakely indicates, Bradley might play in a game shortly after the New year. He will rejoin a revamped backcourt for the Celtics that now includes Rajon Rondo, Jason Terry and Courtney Lee.

He had been looking at a return to game action in mid-December but Ainge said he changed that schedule as a precaution in an effort to make sure his shoulders have recovered completely.

"We've adjusted the timeline by a week or so just to make sure his shoulders are completely strong enough and balanced."

Bradley underwent two surgeries this year after dislocating his shoulder in the playoffs last season; he had one season-ending surgery in May and then another operation on his right shoulder in July. In only his second season last year, Bradley averaged 7.6 points on 49 percent shooting in 21 minutes per game and emerged as a reliable perimeter defender for the Celtics over the course of last season.