Tacoma native Avery Bradley will stage his first pro-am basketball tournament this weekend at Mount Tahoma High.
But Bradley, who starred at Bellarmine Prep and now plays for the Boston Celtics, won’t be able to play because he’s recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the NBA playoffs.
Bradley, who was in Miami earlier this week as part of his rehab, will coach a team and be on hand to sign autographs and take photos, said Darnell Williams, who is coordinating the pro-am and is a longtime friend of Bradley.
Tacoma’s Isaiah Thomas and Seattle’s Jamal Crawford – both NBA players – are expected to play.
Bradley’s former Bellarmine Prep teammate Abdul Gaddy will be in attendance, but NCAA rules prohibit the University of Washington guard from playing in the event. Federal Way’s Jason Terry might be in the gym, but won’t play because he intends to sign with an NBA team next week. Multiple outlets have reported that Terry will sign a three-year contract with Boston.
Williams said other recognizable players could show up, too.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Williams said.
Twelve teams have registered to compete. Games, which will have 20-minute halves and a running clock, are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. with action continuing to 6 p.m. on both days. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.
In addition to basketball, there will be giveaways and a raffle for jerseys, shirts and other items, Williams said.
Bradley, the 19th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, averaged 7.6 points a game in his second season with Boston.
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