Lure of the Leprechaun
- Monday, July 6, 2009 3:32 PM
- Written By: Jordan Schultz
Just when you thought the Boston Celtics might become old and irrelevant, the ghost of Red Auerbach strikes again. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit to Orlando in which Ray Allen looked oddly pedestrian, Paul Pierce downright exhausted and Kevin Garnett more GQ than superstar, the 2008 NBA champs are title contenders once again.
The signing of Rasheed Wallace -- and, of course, his trademark Air Force Ones -- instantly launches the Celtics back into the NBA’s elite. They had a legitimate shot to repeat last season but then Garnett's injury exposed them. Now they have an extra layer of insurance with Wallace.
At 34, Wallace has certainly seen his best days. He averaged 12 points (lowest since he was a rookie) and 7.4 rebounds last season for the Pistons. He was a vital member of their 2004 championship team that upset the Lakers in the finals, but he cannot play the type of minutes he used to.
With Boston, he doesn't necessarily have to. With the “Big Ticket” coming off a serious injury and now 33 himself, Wallace fills an immediate need at both ends of the floor. Ideally for the Celtics, Rasheed can slide right in behind Garnett and with Kendrick Perkins plus the emerging Glen Davis (assuming he re-signs), can play a pivotal role as perhaps the league’s best No. 4 scoring option.
The Celtics already have a dangerous attack. Rajon Rondo’s jet-quick drives demand help, but leaving Allen and Pierce open on the perimeter isn't a good option. KG is a force in the post. Wallace has the versatility with his three-point shooting and post-up abilities to play multiple positions, which should allow him to fit in nicely.
Wallace's length is also an important factor, given the frontlines of the other top contenders. Cleveland has added Shaq to help Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Dwight Howard is only going to get better in Orlando. The Lakers feature Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Wallace is a sensible solution for the Celtics.
Other free agent big men include New York’s David Lee, Utah’s Paul Millsap and San Antonio’s Drew Gooden. Lee and Millsap warrant too much cash, and Gooden doesn’t have Wallace's inside/outside versatility.
His two-year deal at the mid-level exception suggests no over-commitment from the C’s, while also maintaining a renewed level of commitment from one of the league’s most storied and celebrated organizations.
