Bird Says C's Need Help Despite Fast Start

1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start

When you're 15-4, and the bouquets are coming from all directions, it sometimes is easy to overlook the obvious. And that is that the Celtics still need help.

After the 102-96 loss to San Antonio Saturday night, Larry Bird was asked about the current squad. The Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA, have won 11 of 13, and already have merited a story in Sports Illustrated.

Bird flatly said, "We're not good enough to win a championship right now.

"We know what we need, but we don't know who it is," he said. "If we don't get someone, we'll have to get better. But hopefully, we'll do something to make ourselves better."

Celtics CEO Dave Gavitt has been working the phones, but he doesn't have much to offer because he doesn't want to tinker with the regular rotation.

The trade of Xavier McDaniel to Phoenix seemed to bring to the surface -- again -- the Celtics' desire for a small forward who can play defense. Boston had talked with Seattle over the summer about the X-Man, but couldn't put a deal together.

The Celtics have inquired about Derek Smith, who is rehabilitating from September surgery to remove scar tissue from his knee. Smith could help them, but his health is an ongoing conern. He is an unrestricted free agent and has expressed a desire to play in Boston.