Paul Pierce return cautious first step

Lost in yesterday’s collapse to Orlando was the return of Paul Pierce [stats] following a foot injury-induced two-game absence.

The Celtics [team stats] captain, not moving particularly well, finished with 13 points and as many turnovers (three) as he had steals. He lasted for 30 somewhat belabored minutes in the 96-89 Garden loss to the Magic.

“The foot was a little bit sore, but I don’t think it restricted too much of my movement,” said Pierce. “Like I’ve said, it’s soreness on the top part of my foot, so as far as my lateral movement up and down, it really didn’t matter.”

Pierce had said following Saturday’s practice that he wouldn’t make a decision on appearing in next weekend’s All-Star Game until he had a better read on the condition of his foot.

The Celtics play one last game before the All-Star break, Wednesday in New Orleans. Pierce also is expected to take part in the 3-point shootout.

Not full-filling

The return of Pierce and Marquis Daniels to the lineup yesterday meant that the Celtics had a full, healthy roster for the first time this season. Glen Davis had missed the first 27 games of the season with a broken thumb.

Unfortunately, there was little solace to be taken in full manpower.

“Tonight was the first night that we had our whole team together, the first night all year since training camp,” said Ray Allen. “We were very optimistic and we still are. We’re not going to hang our heads. Whatever it is, we’re ready to take whatever criticism we need to take, to try and figure out the third quarter and whatever lapses we’re having in any particular game.”

Said Kevin Garnett: “This is our first time full throttle, so we look forward to putting it all together.”

No Magic formula

Doc Rivers joked earlier in the week that he expected Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy - this year’s Eastern Conference All-Star coach - to be kind and play the three Celtics representatives only five minutes apiece.

Van Gundy, true to form, actually has put some thought into who is going to play how much time next Sunday. Pierce, Garnett and Rajon Rondo [stats] can expect to have a say in their minutes.

“(Rivers) has a better chance of me not playing them because we don’t have to see them again this season,” Van Gundy said before yesterday’s game. “One thing I plan to do is get all 12 players together and get a feel for what each of them wants. There’s always going to be a couple who don’t want to play that many minutes.

“I know that Paul and Kevin have injury consideration, and I told (Celtics assistant) Mike Longabardi to tell Doc that if he has any concerns, to let me know,” he said. “Of course, Kevin was voted in by the fans, so he has to play a few more minutes.”

Rivers laughed.

“I disagree with Stan 100 percent,” he said. “The fans want to see Kevin for about 30 seconds, and then he should play Dwight Howard 48 minutes, LeBron (James) 30 minutes and Joe Johnson 30 minutes.”

Van Gundy believes that he has a different perspective on the game from most All-Star coaches.

“It’s a great honor for somebody like me, as opposed to Doc, who has been around this league forever,” said Van Gundy, who also referred to himself as a nobody. “I was pretty damn old before I thought I wanted to become part of the NBA. It’s really going to hit me - the whole thing.”