Avery Bradley represented the Boston Celtics for seven seasons. ERIC JAY SANTOS 5 HOURS AGO
Avery Bradley, a member of the Boston Celtics from 2010 to 2017, is thinking about this season from an outsider’s perspective. The 32-year-old guard is currently a free agent.
In an interview with Betway, Bradley predicted that either the Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks will win the 2024 NBA championship.
“I have two teams – I think it’s going to come down to Milwaukee or Boston. I feel like Milwaukee just has a complete team with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and Dame [Lillard]. I just feel like they’re very strong. Dame has something to prove this year, and I think Giannis does as well. And then Boston obviously have another complete team after adding Jrue Holiday. They did lose Marcus Smart, which was a big loss because he’s a great, great leader, a great defensive player and I think he was an anchor for their style of play. But they’ve added Jrue Holiday just as another ball handler, another scorer, another defender. Those are my two favorites to win.”
Bradley clarified that the Celtics are his championship favorites if key players remain healthy during the playoffs.
“In the postseason it’s a matter of players. Who’s healthy? If the Celtics are healthy around that time, they’re my favorites to win at all. If Jaylen Brown can stay healthy this year, and Kristaps Porzingis, I really like their chances to win a championship. Especially for Al Horford, he’s had an amazing career, and Jrue Holiday, I think he could go down in the NBA as one of the most underrated players ever. So they’re my favorites to win it, especially if they win the East and beat Milwaukee.”
The one-time All-Defensive First Team selectee doesn’t think Boston should be concerned with recent departures.
“I still think they have a great roster, and have a really good coach. I’ve really liked Payton Pritchard, he’s a really good player and I think he’s underrated as well, and now he’s going to have the opportunity to really show what he can do. I love their entire team, and I still think that even with their bench they can get it done.”
The former Celtic also named Jayson Tatum a potential favorite to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
“I think this year if Boston can finally get over that hump and win a championship, I have Tatum being the favorite for MVP. I think he has an opportunity, for sure.”