Rivers: Bradley not close to returning

Doc Rivers made his weekly appearance on the Dennis & Callahan Show on Thursday, the morning after the Celtics imporoved to 10-8 on the season after a 104-94 win over the Timberwolves. Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win, and is now 10-0 against his former team with the Celtics. Rivers was asked if Garnett seems particulary focused when facing the franchsie he played for from 1995-2007.

"He was clearly ready, I loved how aggressive he was offensively, I love the fact that he wanted the ball the entire game," said Rivers. "That was nice. That makes us a better team."

Jared Sullinger also impressed in the victory, collecting seven rebounds off the bench in 18 minutes. Rivers was effusive in his praise of the rookie, who is averaging 4.7 rebounds in just 18.2 minutes per game this season.

"He's an unbelievable rebounder, he really is," Rivers said. "A terrific rebounder, he can shoot the ball, he can pass. I think to be a great rebounder I think you have to have a high IQ and I think he has that."

Avery Bradley continues to rehabilitiate from double shoulder surgery. Reports have suggested that Bradley is close to returning to practice -- perhaps within 10 days -- but Rivers was less optimisitc when asked about Bradley's potential return date.

"I've seen him do skeleton offense -- that's with no defense -- and he looked fine, he moves fine," Rivers said. "His legs look great, that's because they didn't get injured. Having said that, I don't know. I heard yesterday two to three weeks before he practices again, so I don't know. I still think he's a ways away."

The NBA last week fined the Spurs $250,000 for sending home Tim Duncan, Tony Parker Manu Ginobili and Danny Green instead of playing them against the Miami Heat in a nationally televised game. Rivers said he undertsood the perspective of David Stern in the matter but will sit out veteran players at times this season.

"Listen, I'm going sit guys, definitely Kevin for a game here and there ... I'll probably never sit four, but I'm going to go through the right protocol and hopefully that's good enough. And Wyc [Grousbeck] is going to get fined."

To hear the interview click on the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page. [1] For more Celtics news visit weei.com/celtics [2].