Avery Bradley says he will miss Ray Allen’s guidance and mentoring – NBA News
Boston Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley had words of praise for former shooting guard Ray Allen, saying that the veteran helped him improve his game, particularly on the offensive end.
Bradley was able to make a place for himself in the rotation last season due to his defensive skills, but it was an improvement in his offense that actually helped him take his game to the next level, earning him a starting position
with the team near the end of the season.
And Bradley says he has Allen to thank for the improvement.
"Ray was a great tutor. I’m sad that he's gone, but we all wish the best for him. He helped me out every single day. Sometimes I'd just be working out and he'd be watching on the side. He'd get up and tell me what I needed to work
on, or tell me how I can be more consistent. I really thank him for that,” said Bradley.
Bradley shot a meagre 34.3 percent from the floor during his rookie season, and did not have much to show for in his second season as the Celtics attempted to make him their reserve point guard.
However, Bradley’s career got a new life when he was moved to the shooting guard position, and took over the role with relative ease as she showed a steady improvement in his jump shot. The guard averaged 7.6 points in 21.4 minutes
of playing time per game while going 49.8% from the floor last season.
The irony of the matter is that it was actually Bradley who took Ray's starting position in the lineup, something the veteran did not take well. The Celtics decided to go play Bradley as a starter after Allen injured his ankle
and continued to do so even when the legendary two guard returned.
However, Bradley says that Allen kept mentoring him even after he had taken over the starting position . He says that Allen helped him a great deal in improving his shooting, particularly from the three point range.
“Ever since my rookie year, all [the veterans would help] because I was so open to learning. But especially Ray. Once I started playing the 2-guard, he wanted to help me out, so that I could be the best 2-guard I could be,” said
Bradley.
Bradley will miss Allen’s guidance and experience on the team, even though the Celtics have added players like Jason Terry and Courtney Lee in the offseason to cover up for his loss.
Bradley himself is recovering him shoulder injury and it is unclear if he will be able to make it to training camp, after undergoing two shoulder surgeries in three months.
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