Having sat out bubble with Lakers, Avery Bradley ready to go with Heat

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Two days after signing with the Miami Heat, guard Avery Bradley said Tuesday he is fully committed to going forward with the 2020-21 season, after declining to participate in the NBA’s quarantined conclusion to last season.

As a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Bradley opted out of the league’s Disney World bubble due to concerns about COVID-19 on his family.

Bradley’s 6-year-old son Liam has a history of respiratory illness.

But in committing to the Heat on a two-year contract that has a team option for the second year, the defensive-minded guard said he believes the pandemic can now be better navigated.

“I mean this is the new normal,” he said. “I think, you know, my decision right now is to just focus on playing, that’s all I care about. That’s been my focus. I feel like everyone has a better idea of this virus.

“Obviously, there’s still some unknowns. But my decision not to go to the bubble just was the impact on my family. My son has some health complications that I just felt uncomfortable with making the decision to go.”

As was the case then, Bradley, 29, said the decision came in consultation with his family.

“Now I’m just looking forward to this opportunity,” he said. “Obviously, it’s going to be a unique start of this season, and some new things that we’re going to have to get used to. But I’m ready for it. And we’re just going to try to navigate through it as best as we can.

“I’m just excited to be here in Miami and have an opportunity to be part of a great culture like this.”

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