Thinking through what the Celtics have done so far, with the signing of Brandon Bass last night, the depth chart looks something like this:

Point Guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting Guard: Jason Terry, Avery Bradley, E'Twaun Moore
Small Forward: Paul Pierce, Kris Joseph
Power Forward: Brandon Bass, Jared Sullinger, JaJuan Johnson
Center: Kevin Garnett, Fab Melo, Sean Williams

That makes 12 players. Moore, Joseph, and Williams are non-guaranteed contracts and may be cut after summer league depending on their performances in Orlando and Vegas. Assuming all 3 make the team, that leaves just 3 spots.

The Celtics have a qualifying offer out to Greg Stiemsma, who is also being wooed by the Timberwolves. Chances are if they make him an offer above the Celtics' offer, they won't be able to match, but the Celtics could use a proven center, especially since KG hates playing there.


Ray Allen is still waffling between the Heat and the Celtics. While the Celtics offer is far superior to the Heat's offer, most members of the Boston media have agreed that they feel that Ray is as good as gone. If Ray does bolt for the enemy, that would more than likely give Moore a chance to hang on and move into the rotation. And, although both Moore and Terry can handle the ball, the Celtics should probably bring in another point guard. Keyon Dooling seems the most likely candidate.

Mickael Pietrus is another player who has expressed a strong interest in returning to the Celtics. He could shore up both the shooting guard and the small forward position. The Celtics have also expressed interest in bringing back Pietrus but are waiting for the other dominoes to fall to see if there is a roster spot and if there is money to offer.

Finally, we have Jeff Green. He is almost assuredly going to be signed. We've heard that the contract is almost there. The Celtics are said to be offering him a 4 year/$40 million contract. That seems like a lot to offer a player coming off of heart surgery and a year out of the league. But I suspect Danny is still in damage control mode after giving up Perk and doesn't want to be left with nothing to show for the trade. Hopefully Green rewards his loyalty and lives up to that contract.

Other names that have been thrown out as possibilities are Marcus Camby and Nick Young. Certainly to bring in other players, either Moore or Williams or Joseph won't make the team, especially if both Ray and Steamer come back.  There are still team needs but the Celtics have a versatile roster, especially if any of the young players pan out and can contribute.  Elton Brand will be amnestied by Philly and could be available but will probably be out of the Celtics budget.  But you never know. 

And now we wait for Ray.   I hate to lose him. I hate even more to see him go to the hated Heat. In my book, that automatically makes him a villain. That team seems to make even loveable players unlikeable. I'm sure it will do the same to Ray if he decides to go there. With the Celtics' offer being much better, if he chooses the Heat it seems like it would be to spite the Celtics anyway. Vying with the Heat for a free agent takes me back to the battle that the Celtics and Heat had over Troy Murphy. Murphy chose the Celtics in that one and we all know how that worked out. Unlike that one, I hope the Celtics win this one.

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