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NBA Summer League: Tony Bradley grew over an inch during offseason

By Blake Cockrum

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Tony Bradley of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Tony Bradley of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz center grows an inch-and-a-half during the offseason

Utah Jazz center Tony Bradley is said to have spent the majority of his offseason in the team’s Salt Lake City practice facility.

In order to be better prepared for the upcoming season, the second-year big man decided to focus on his health this summer. He put an emphasis on gaining strength, losing weight and increasing his endurance. And so far, the results appear to be paying off.

"“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger and I feel like I’m moving better,” Bradley told the Deseret News. “Just my body’s different. I’ve put on some muscle, gotten a little leaner and I’ve lost some body fat.”"

And the results have shown on the court, too, where Bradley has put together the best five-game stretch that he’s played since leaving the University of North Carolina in 2017.

In three Utah Summer League games, Bradley averaged 14.7 points per game on 51 percent shooting, and his 12.3 rebounds led the league. He received Utah Jazz Summer League Standout honors for his efforts.

He’s continued his outstanding play in two Las Vegas Summer League contests, averaging 16 points in just 21 minutes per game. His rebounding is down – just 3.5 boards per game – but his efficiency on the offensive side of the ball has been tremendous, hitting 13-of-15 shots from the floor.

Although his work in the weight room has certainly helped, that’s not the only difference in Bradley’s game from year one to year two.

According to Bradley and the Utah strength and conditioning team, the former Tar Heel has grown an inch-and-a-half since last season. His 6-foot-10-inch frame from last season has skyrocketed to 6-feet-11-inches, and his wingspan has grown an inch, too.

That substantial increase in both height and reach, could be a big reason for his early success this summer. Combine that with his stronger, leaner body, and Bradley may be poised to make a big jump from his rookie season in Utah.

Bradley sat out Tuesday’s game against the Heat due to a minor left wrist injury, but should be back on the court Thursday night when the Jazz take on the Magic.

Next: UNC, Duke battling for this 5-star prospect

Check back with Keeping It Heel for more on Bradley and all of the UNC alumni in the NBA Summer League.

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