First Round Pick Bradley is a Project

1981-82 Boston Celtics

Jim Brandon just won't allow himself to be ignored, and it will be interesting to see what happens regarding the 12th spot on the Celtics ' roster when cutdown time comes.

The 6-5 free-agent guard candidate from St. Peter's (Jersey City) has looked good when given an opportunity during the exhibition games, outplaying his main competitors Tracy Jackson and Terry Duerod. He played 20 minutes Thursday night against Seattle.

He has also played as well or better than first draft pick Charles Bradley, but the latter, a special type of project player, will undoubtedly be on the team no matter how vehemently Bill Fitch denies it right now. Fitch is loath to admit that Bradley is a lock, but common sense must prevail in this discussion. And Bradley should be on the club, having lived up to his basic, pre-camp image as an athlete who needs to develop a shot.

Brandon is solid in all phases, and he appears to be the most advanced, defensively, of the rookies. The question is growth potential: will he get any better?

Fitch's final decision could be influenced by the more obvious scoring potential of a Jackson or a Duerod, as opposed to Brandon's currently superior all-around abilities. And when you're discussing the 12th spot, one great skill may be more important that all-round ability. At any rate, Brandon might be able to find a job, even if it isn't in Boston. Teams such as Washington, Atlanta and San Diego would certainly do well to examine Brandon's credentials, in case he doesn't make it in Boston.

Bradley picked up five second-period personal fouls in the 98-88 loss to the Sonics. He also missed a sneakaway dunk when he appeared to be indecisive.