Tic Toc Tic Toc

It’s amazing in this age of Internet rumors that the rumor wires are silent when it comes to the home team.

Sure, we have seen opaque sentences written about Chris Webber: “The Heat, Lakers, and Celtics have all expressed interest in Webber.”

We have seen the contingency plans of PJ Brown explored. “He’s probably done, but if he does come back, the only teams he’s interested in are the Mavs, Suns, and Celtics.”

And, of course, we’ve seen the obligatory begging from Gary Payton and Travis Best. “Please, oh please, Dear Danny, show some interest in us, because there is nothing more in this world that we’d like to do than don the green!”

Notwithstanding our gaudy 27-3 record, I don’t think there is anyone left on the planet who thinks Doc and Danny will stand pat with the current roster. The Celtics released Brandon Wallace for the avowed purpose of adding “roster flexibility.”

Hmmm. Roster flexibility for what, pray tell?

Well, let’s recall what we all know.

Chauncey Billups abused Boston down the stretch of the Pistons-Celtics first contest, and he’ll get another opportunity to do the same this Saturday in the Motown Rematch.

Not only did Scot Pollard and Kendrick Perkins both foul out while attempting to guard Yao Ming, but both have a history of injury problems.

While we are on the subject of injuries, Rajon Rondo just missed time with a hamstring injury, the type of injury that can linger. Notwithstanding Tony Allen’s fine performance against the Lakers, the Celtics offense often sputters when Rajon is not in the game.

KG has gone public with his preference against playing the 5-spot, and, when you think about it, why expose a $100 million investment to punishment from someone who outweighs him by 40 pounds or more?

Equally important, a Chris Webber or PJ Brown could play either the 4 or 5 spots, meaning that they could give KG some rest or play along side KG in what on paper would appear to be a punishing front line of our own.

Then we move to the point-guard spot. I remember when the season started thinking Gabe Pruitt might get some PT after the All-Star break.

Yeah, right.

Gabe Pruitt is not the antidote for a missing veteran point-guard presence that is essential to playoff success. Kenny Anderson of all people proved the value of a veteran point when he spent the playoffs blowing past Philadelphia and Detroit point guards on his way to the ECFs.

It is also worth noting that Eddie House is having a fantastic year off the bench. He is every bit as “microwavish” as was Vinnie Johnson. But query how much more effective he would be if shorn of any and all point-guard responsibilities and left to focus solely on gun slinging?

The phones are ringing in the Celtics front office, wheels are spinning in the war room, and conversations are being had.

Oh to be a fly on the wall and be privy to those conversations.