NESO'S TAKE ON SPORTS

Rasheed Wallace was signed by the Boston Celtics with their mid-level exception signing, setting Wallace up to earn between $5.6 million and $5.8 million over each of the next two years.

The signing of Wallace is probably a way for the Celtics to stay stable in terms of big men, even if Glen Davis chooses to part ways with the team.

Assuming that Davis is not brought back, the Celtics will have Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, and now Wallace as the major pieces of their big-man rotation. Rasheed is well out of his prime, but he still brings veteran experience and talent to the table. Last season, he averaged 12 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Wallace led the league in technical fouls last season, and was followed closely by another Celtic: center Kendrick Perkins. Perk did a good job toward the end of last season keeping his language (both words and body) in check. I don’t expect to see Rasheed getting as many techs this season as he did last year, simply because Garnett will whack him if he hurts the team.

I expect Wallace’s attitude to follow suit as Stephon Marbury’s did last season, as Marbury was instantly humbled with a championship opportunity. Rasheed declined bigger money offers from teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, obviously so he could get one more shot at a title.

I like the signing of Rasheed, because he brings a similar amount of talent for a cheaper price than Glen Davis. Davis certainly would be a sign for the future, but there are many teams in the league (Sacramento Kings, Thunder) who would gladly pay more than the Celtics would be willing to give for the talented forward. Rasheed Wallace, for instance, took less many than was offered by Oklahoma City to sign with Boston.

Granted, Glen may well return, as the Celtics have the right to offer him as much as any other team does. If Davis does come back, Wallace will be a solid complement, as defenses will have to be aware of both of their long-range ability, Wallace’s rebounding, and Davis presence down low.

The signing of Sheed adds a perimeter shooting threat for the Celtics’ second unit. This means that while KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen are resting, the Celtics will not only have the streaky shooting of Eddie House and a possibly rejuvenated Stephon Marbury, but a player who can post inside or hit the long-range dagger. If Big Baby is re-signed by Boston, then Rasheed’s perimeter shooting allows Glen Davis to be active down low, and will not force him to be a jump shooter. Glen did a great job in the post season with jumpshots, but there is no denying that he is more comfortable down low.

Rasheed was basically signed by Boston concerning Glen Davis. If he leaves, then Boston will still have three competent big-men (not named Mikki Moore) and, Wallace can be used as leverage in contract negotiations with Davis. If Davis stays, then Boston is in a perfect situation, as they have four solid big men. Another benefit is the Celts can re-sign Davis is that it will give Rasheed Wallace and the Boston Celtics an easier time determining his role, as he would probably assume Leon Powe’s position on the team. Of course, being a player of a higher-caliber, he will probably have the opportunity to play more minutes per game than Powe.

In all, the Celtics have found a solution for the recent Leon Powe walk.