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.

Really Cleveland? If you still believe that you can beat us in the postseason, then you have clearly been compromised by your fanhood, and have let the passion for the game interfere with common sense. Your team was beaten by the C’s, without their best defensive player, and their point guard playing on one leg. That’s like a heavyweight boxer losing to a featherweight who has a broken left leg! Also, with the addition of Stephon Marbury and Mikki Moore, your Mo Williams and Booby Gibson will have to always be awake defensively, and your wimpy flopper Anderson Varjeo will have to flop about 20 times before he can significantly change the Celtics’ bench.

Moving on, the Celtics now know they’re the best in the east, a slight aberration vs. Orlando without KG, Rondo and Big Baby doesn’t make a difference, and can focus on being the NBA’s best. The Lakers clearly showed Boston that they were better, beating us in L.A. AND in Boston. Sure there were some controversial calls, but the Lakers earned the W in both cases. However, Mikki Moore would have been great for keeping the C’s big men out of further foul trouble (and KG may not have fouled out), while Stephon Marbury would have exhausted Jordan Farmar or Derrick Fisher, allowing Rondo to toy with either. The Celtics will be better come finals time, so L.A., get on your feet.

In my opinion, this was a huge sign for the Celtics, but it came too late. They needed Moore well before the All-Star break, and lost 2-3 game due to a lack of what could have been his presence. However, fact of the matter is that he has been signed, and now the Celtics can focus on possibly coming to terms with Stephon Marbury, or a 1-guard who can serve as a backup to Rajon Rondo

MVP: At this point, I think there’s only debate between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Chris Paul is a huge part of the Hornets, and without CP3, New Orleans would be nowhere, however Kobe and LeBron do far more. Now, even though James’ Cavs lost to the Lakers in that marquee game a week ago, LeBron has most definitely earned his spot as the mid-season MVP. He has done far more with his team than anyone. The Cavs have the best win percentage (81.4%) and lead the Eastern Conference as of now. Also, the Cavaliers’ best shooter other than LeBron is Mo Williams, and then after Mo, there’s Wally Sczerbiak and then Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The only player here who makes a defensive impact is James, while Mo, Wally and Zydrunas all lack abilities on the defensive end. Kobe on the other hand has Andrew Bynum, who is a monster inside the paint, and on offense he can work with Pao Gasol and Lamar Odom. Also, Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar are capable three-point shooters. Clearly, LeBron has to pick up much more slack on the defensive end, and puts up BETTER offensive numbers than Kobe.

LEBRON             KOBE
28 PPG             27 PPG
8 ASST                5.6 ASST
7.5 REBS             5.5 REBS

Clearly, LeBron leads in all major offensive categories, with far less to work with defensively. Anyone who wants to say that KG or Dwight Howard deserves MVP, they’re great players, and great candidates, but neither puts up such electric numbers (Howard is best on the boards, but not very spectacular in the other categories). Thus, the Mid-Season MVP Goes to: LEBRON JAMES!!

Rookie of the Year: For mid-season ROY, there is a lot of competition, mainly between Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love, and Russell Westbrook.  Rose has by far has the most electric numbers in comparison to Mayo, with 7+ assists per game and almost 17 PPG.  Mayo also has good shooting numbers, with 18 PPG, however he only has 2.5 ASST per game, and he also doesn’t control the court like Rose can. No, Mayo is not a PG, however Rose still has more impact on his team. Thus, I pick Rose over Mayo. Between Love and Westbrook, I pick Westbrook. Westbrook has shot well, with 14.5 PPG, and also has 5 assists per game. He also brings an immense amount of defensive potential to the table. The reason potential is important here, is that if he is able to hone that skill.. if, he will be a star defensive player, as he has exceptional length and knack for the ball. Love has also had an impact on his team, and he has 8 rebounds per game, along with 9 PPG.  I believe that Westbrook wins out here, because not only does he score more points, but he also is more of a defensive presence, even though he’s still developing. Just his sheer length (wingspan) gives him an advantage, and Love has proved himself more of a rebounding asset, who has a high basketball IQ and is a gritty competitor. Both players are still developing, and I believe that Westbrook has just made more of an impact so far, so Russell wins out. Now, between Rose and Westbrook, the award here has to go to Westbrook. Russell has a far greater defensive presence than Rose, and Rose has had trouble hitting clutch shots. If Rose can work on his clutch shooting ability, he will be a force to reckon with, however as of now, Westbrook is shooting, assisting and even defending well! He wins this year’s mid-season Rookie of the Year award!! Congratulations Russell Westbrook!

Now for some fun awards:

Most Annoying Player: There’s no debate here. Stephon Marbury was a cancer to the Knicks, and he pretty much started the New York vs. Isiah Thomas incident. Marbury was not wanted by any teammates, and newly appointed coach Mike D’Antoni wants no part of him. So Congrats Stephon Marbury.. You are this year’s most Annoying Player!

Biggest Flopper: Okay, again, not much debate. Back when the Sacramento Kings were perennial playoff teams, Vlade Divac would have run away with this award, however he no longer plays in the league. Sooo, somebody had to take his place. Congratulations Anderson Varejao! You flop on defense and you make shots harder when you drive to the hoop by flopping on offense too. The only problem is, when you get to the line, you can’t hit a free throw. I think you could have given Marubury a threat for most annoying, however at least Marbury can take a hit like a man. Congrats Andesron Varejao, you are our biggest flopper!

So there you have it, NESO’S Mid-Season awards!!