MIAMI - Lester Hudson was waived by the Celtics [team stats] yesterday for reasons having far more to do with basketball than finances - and little to do with Hudson.
The rookie point guard’s release came on the day players had to be waived to avoid having their contracts guaranteed.
But the Celts are more interested in keeping a roster spot available should they need to add a player or make a deal before next month’s trade deadline.
According to director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, there is no other imminent move.
“This just gives us a roster spot that we don’t feel we need to use right now,” Ainge said. “We do save some money with this, but that wasn’t why we did it.”
Hudson had some $260,000 left on his $457,588 obviously non-guaranteed contract. Because of the luxury tax, the Celtics will save $520,000.
But it was decided that flexibility was more important than what Hudson might be able to contribute this season.
“We like Lester a lot,” said Ainge. “We still think he’s an NBA player, and it’s possible we might try to sign him again at some point.
“But we’re trying to win now, and we think it’s better to have a spot free. You never know what players might become available down the line, and sometimes there are trades where you bring back more players than you send out. And you don’t want to have to be in a position where you’re waiving somebody (with a guaranteed contract) if you don’t have to.”
The Celtics have added free agents down the stretch the last two seasons.
Bounce back
Kendrick Perkins [stats] gave the Celtics 41 minutes in last night’s 112-106 overtime victory over the Heat, after two days of being very ill. He had 20 points and 10 boards, though he felt worn out.
“I think it was food poisoning,” he said. “I ate some chicken tenders at the movies. I think that’s what it was, for real, because right after I ate them I was messed up.”
Let’s just say Perk got a new appreciation for the term fast break. As for the flick, he saw “The Blind Side.”
“That’s a good movie, man,” he said. . . .
There is a chance Eddie House (flu) could join the Celtics in Atlanta, where they play tomorrow night.
“But we don’t know that,” said coach Doc Rivers. “We just know he can’t get out of bed.” . . .
Kevin Garnett (right knee) is with the team, but not ready to play.
“It’s the same thing,” said Rivers. “Maybe a week, two weeks. I have no idea.”
Quick healer
Marquis Daniels may not be out as long as first anticipated. He had a new cast put on his surgically repaired left thumb Tuesday.
Past reports said he was shooting to come back after the All-Star break, but when asked yesterday if there’s a new timetable, he said, “Maybe before then. It all depends. When I go back and get this removed again, I hope everything will be good. . . . It’s healing really good.”
Daniels has been running, and he will go back and have this new cast removed in about three weeks.
As for his mood, he said, “It’s good. I mean, guys keep my spirits up. It’s great to be on a good team. If you’re on a bad team, it usually goes down the other way. But we’ve got a bunch of comedians around here, so it keeps your spirits up.”
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