WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) – Viewing his alcohol-related suspension as “a second chance at my career,” Vin Baker returned to the Boston Celtics for the opening of training camp on Thursday and promised to show his teammates that his problems are in the past.

“I’m approaching camp like it’s my rookie season in Milwaukee,” he said on the Celtics’ practice court on media day. “My after-care program’s in place. Most of my therapy’s going to be right here with my teammates.”

Baker was in the middle of his worst season as a pro last year when he was suspended indefinitely on Feb. 27. He later admitted that he is a binge drinker and sought treatment.

With Baker in rehab, the Celtics made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they were swept by the New Jersey Nets.

“The lowest point had to be when I realized I wasn’t going to finish the season with the team,” Baker said Thursday in his first public appearance since his suspension. “During the whole time, I just thought, ‘This is going to make me a better person, a better father, a better son.’ Ultimately, it will make me a better basketball player.”

Baker said he is in the best physical and mental condition of his career. But he said the same thing at media day last year, after the Celtics brought the Hartford, Conn., native back to New England in a move they hoped would revitalize his career.

The former All-Star didn’t thrive back home, though. He continued drinking and his game suffered, though he said Thursday that he was never under the influence while on the basketball court.

By February, he was rarely playing and contributing even less, averaging five points and four rebounds in 18 minutes per game. After negotiations with the team, he accepted a suspension that would give him a chance to get his life in order.

“We all figured out what was the right thing to do, as best as we could,” Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck said. “He’s the one who gets the credit for sticking to his deal. I want to compliment him for rising to the occasion and really coming through a difficult situation.”

Baker has three years and about $44 million left on his contract, a deal that makes it impossible for Boston to trade him. With Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce also making big money, the Celtics don’t have room under the salary cap.

to add much to their roster.

Walker, for one, thinks things can work out to Boston’s benefit.

“If he’s on top of his game, the sky’s the limit how good we really can be,” Walker said. “To bounce back so quickly in a five or six month span is a tribute to him and I’m happy to see him smiling again.”

The 6-foot-11 Baker was the eighth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1993 draft. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds over his last two seasons in Milwaukee before he was traded to Seattle for the 1997-98 season.

His first season in Seattle showed only slight dropoff, and he was good enough to be picked for the 2000 U.S. Olympic team. But by the time the Sydney games came around, his play had deteriorated to the point where he was rarely used.

Danny Ainge, who took over the Celtics’ basketball operations at the end of last season, said he doesn’t doubt that Baker has the skills to contribute.

“I think the bigger question is: How Vin will deal with the attention, expectations, the pressure and the challenge ahead of overcoming any sort of addiction?” Ainge said. “I think those are his challenges.”

But at least Baker has the team on his side.

“Everybody on this team, and in this ownership group, feels close to Vin. Vin is the most likable guy on the team,” Grousbeck said. “Everybody’s pulling for him.”

Baker said he didn’t know what kind of reaction to expect from the fans when the Celtics open the season at home against Miami on Oct. 29. Ainge said he thinks there is the fans are willing to welcome Baker back.

“I think we live in a society that’s very forgiving, and everybody’s looking for a feel-good story,” Ainge said. “He has a chance to give us a real feel-good story this year.”

AP-ES-10-02-03 1834EDT