Brandon Bass, fresh off a 101-88 loss to the Heat, told reporters on Saturday that he wants to return to the Celtics after enjoying his first season with the team, reports Paul Flannery of WEEI.com. The former LSU star proved to be a strong contributor during the playoffs as he averaged 11.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 20 contests. Bass, 27, arrived in Boston from Orlando after being traded for Glen Davis and Von Wafer just prior to the start of the 2011/2012 season.
"This group of guys, this team has been great to be a part of," he said. "We fought through so many different things. Teammates going down, injuries, we continued to fight. I’d say I love these guys. It was just a great experience being a part of this group."
Bass' option would pay him $4.25MM for the 2012/2013 season, which Boston would consider to be a bargain given the forward's play over the course of the season and ability to be productive while in the team's starting lineup. His best game came during the second round of the playoffs against the Sixers where Bass scored 27 points during a crucial Game 5 victory. After playing for three other teams during his seven-year career, Bass appears to be ready to settle down and commit long term to the Celtics.
"I do," he said when asked if he thought he would be back. "I would love to be back here. The fans here are unbelievable. For any player, this organization is the organization that you want to play for."
—–
This is good newS. Finally something positive since last nights 4th quarter choke with 6 minutes left.