Pistons expecting a lot from new addition Bradley — The Boston Celtics’ rise over the past few seasons from scrappy, young team to No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference wouldn’t have happened without Avery Bradley. Yet as Boston aims to take its next step with new addition Gordon Hayward, the Celtics had to part with Bradley to create the salary cap room they needed for Hayward. Bradley was introduced in Detroit yesterday and Rod Beard of The Detroit News has more on the guard’s new team and opportunity ahead:
For both Van Gundy and Bradley, it was time for a change, and Bradley is bringing that mindset with him to help become one of the leaders on and off the court for the Pistons.
“There were a lot people who would have been sad but it was an amazing feeling for me. It was a new chapter for me and a great opportunity to play with a lot of great players like Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond,” Bradley said. “Not only that, but to play for someone like coach Stan. I understand he is an amazing coach.
“I always wanted to play for someone like him, who always hold you accountable and pushes you — not to take anything away from Brad Stevens or Doc Rivers. Those are two great coaches, but this is a coach who is able to push me every single day and help me reach my full potential.”
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Paired with Reggie Jackson — who flew from California to Detroit for the news conference — Van Gundy is anticipating an upgrade with his guard tandem, after they parted ways with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who went to the Los Angeles Lakers this week.
“With these two, we have one of the best backcourts in the league and we’ll be expecting a lot out of Avery on the offensive end of the floor,” Van Gundy said. “He can guard either guard position and we’re looking forward to his play on the court, his leadership and welcoming him and his family here to Detroit.”
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It’s a time of change for Bradley, who said he hasn’t visited the city of Detroit, but got his first look on Thursday. He rushed back home to be with his wife, who is expected their third child in the coming days.
He’s smiling at the opportunity with the Pistons and the chance to bring a new attitude to the team with his energy and enthusiasm.
He said he sees it as an opportunity to improve himself and grow as a player, all in a different setting.
“I told my wife the other day: it’s perfect timing. We’re rebuilding our team and the city is rebuilding at the same time,” he said. “It’s perfect. We couldn’t have asked for more perfect timing or a more perfect situation.
“It’s our chance to help the city be excited about Detroit basketball, because in the near future, we have a chance to be a very good team.”
