Avery Bradley Looking to Improve Game During Lockout

Under normal circumstances, Bradley would have received plenty of work for the Celtics’ summer league entry and at the team’s training facility in Waltham. But he isn’t allowed at the facility, and summer league was canceled. Because teams are not allowed to contact players or their agents, the Celtics have no idea how their former first-round pick is progressing.

Bradley’s agent, former NBA player Mitchell Butler, had a long conversation with team president Danny Ainge about Bradley before the lockout began. And the two formulated a plan for the second-year guard in case the Celtics were not allowed to contact him.

And now those plans may include a stint in Europe because what Bradley needs most is experience. He played just 31 games as a rookie, averaging 1.7 points in just over five minutes per game. His most extensive action came during a stint in the Development League, but an injury to Marquis Daniels mandated Bradley’s return to the Celtics.

“Him missing training camp, and the [injury] situation last year, really put him behind the eight ball,’’ Butler said. “The Celtics really loved the fact that his learning curve was high. Being on a team that experienced, it was hard for him to crack the lineup, so I think that ultimately if it’s the right situation, the money’s decent, and it’s a great place, then [playing overseas is] something that I will have a serious conversation with him about.’’

Bradley doesn’t turn 21 until November, and Celtics coach Doc Rivers is already convinced Bradley is an NBA-caliber defender. But he spent most of his pre-NBA days as a shooting guard, so the transition to point has been arduous. The Celtics could use a capable backup to Rajon Rondo, and plenty of reps for Bradley in the Orlando Summer League would have proven valuable.

But a summer in Seattle also could help Bradley hone his skills. He has been working out with players such as Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, and Aaron Brooks.