Mickael Pietrus clears tests, could be back for the Boston Celtics soon – NBA Update
The Boston Celtics at long last heard some good news on the injury front when it was revealed that Mickael Pietrus’ condition is improving and he has cleared some crucial neurological tests.
The player joined a long list of injured Celtics players on 23rd March when he suffered a horrendous head injury after a hard fall. With the Celtics already without the likes of Jermaine O’Neal, Chris Wilcox and Jeff Green, all out for the season,
this was another body blow for the beleaguered franchise.
Incredibly, the veterans of Boston still keep finding ways to win, and are in line for a playoffs appearance. They will now be boosted with news of Pietrus’ improving condition. The player himself was in high spirits about the development.
He said he felt much better, and would probably be back in a week or two.
"Oh, I don't know. A couple of weeks, maybe? I'm hoping so."
He said the neurological tests, necessary for players after suffering concussions, were going rather well.
"Yes, those," he said. "I'm improving every time."
He also spoke of his determination to get back, and said he was completely committed to the process.
"I'm doing everything they ask me to," he said. "I'm taking all the tests."
It was welcome news for Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Rivers has had to deal with one injury after another, but was positive about Mickael, saying the player’s demeanour was better, signalling an improvement in his condition.
"He feels good," Rivers said. "I think, personality wise, he's talking -- and talking loud again -- that's a good sign."
The Celtics have done rather well in Mickael’s absence so far. They have been determined and showed that veteran ruthless instinct, piling on important wins that have placed them in a comfortable position in the Eastern Conference standings.
When Mickael does come back, he will come into a new look Celtics line-up. Ray Allen, the future Hall of Famer, has been moved to the bench by Boston in a move designed to give him more rest and give the Celtics a valuable weapon on the bench.
While Rivers had envisioned Pietrus as the one replacing Allen as a starting guard earlier in the season, he has now gone with youngster Avery Bradley for the role. Bradley has been doing well lately, and Doc Rivers was pleased with having Mickael back soon,
which will give him even more options.
“Now with Avery and, hopefully if we can get Mickael back, then it's phenomenal, you have either guy you can play in the line-up and use the other guy off the bench. That would be the best-case scenario for us.”
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