ATLANTA - Danny Ainge has nothing up his sleeve with regard to the roster opening created when rookie Lester Hudson was waived Wednesday.
At least not at this moment.
Having seen in last season’s playoffs and this regular season how injuries can impact the team, the Celtics [team stats] director of basketball operations certainly wouldn’t be averse to adding another main rotation-quality player through a trade or a free agent signing.
But in terms of a job opening, beyond perhaps that for a faith healer, there is nothing posted on the board in the lunch room.
“Right now I don’t see any needs,” Ainge said as he boarded a flight on a scouting trip out West yesterday. “I mean, I feel like there’s always a need if you can get a better player than who you have, but there’s nothing with us that’s a glaring weakness. There’s not one specific need that we’re looking to fill.
“I just feel like we need to get healthy. If we’re healthy, then in some ways we may have too many players. There will be some tough decisions that will have to get made on minutes when we have everyone back. But things can always happen, so I think it’s important for us that we have this flexibility with our roster. I mean, there’s a good chance we don’t sign anybody, but it helps to have the ability to do it if something happens and you need to.”
The Celts do lack a traditional point guard behind Rajon Rondo [stats], but they’re growing a bit more comfortable with the idea of Tony Allen bringing the ball up the floor with hybrid Marquis Daniels out.
And those who think the team simply will activate assistant coach for player development Tyronn Lue shouldn’t hold their breath. There is an outside chance Lue could get a 10-day contract in a pinch down the line, but the club doesn’t believe he is an answer.
Ainge wouldn’t say much beyond the fact he’d be an “emergency” short-term replacement, but it’s important to note that Lue was brought in before training camp for a look, and the Celts decided to stay with Hudson.
Looking at potential changes, Ainge also acknowledged the chemical element. The current Celts are comfortable with and around one another, so alterations will not be taken lightly.
“Things like chemistry will absolutely be considered if we’re thinking of doing anything,” Ainge said. “If we’re looking at a player, it’s got to be someone who not only has talent but who can fit in on and off the court. He has to be able to play our style and his personality has to fit, too.”
Word yesterday was that Hudson is hoping to be claimed off waivers, which would guarantee the remainder of his contract (some $260,000 is left). If he clears, he can sign with any club or would enter the D-League pool.
Celtics notes
Eddie House should be back with the Celtics today after missing Wednesday’s win in Miami with the flu. He was trying to make it in last night, but bad weather in the area made air travel a bit uncertain.
House has hit a shooting skid, but coach Doc Rivers believes the cause is elsewhere.
“Since Marquis has gone down, Eddie’s numbers have gone down,” Rivers said. “Eddie needs Marquis to play so he can get shots. When Eddie’s being the point guard, he’s not as effective.”
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