Role Players Ready to Play Role

November 2, 2007

The newly minted version of the Big Three has succeeded in making the Celtics relevant once again.

Whether that translates into wins will depend largely on the supporting cast.

No one can shed a greater perspective on that than free agent pickup James Posey. An eight-year veteran out of Xavier who was signed by the Celtics in late August, the 6-foot-8 forward spent the last two years in Miami, playing a key role in the Heat's run to the NBA championship in 2006.

While Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal were the headliners, the Heat wouldn't have won the NBA title without major contributions from Posey, Alonzo Mourning and former Celtics Antoine Walker and Gary Payton.

Posey warns against relying too much on Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

``Even though it was D-Wade and Shaq, a lot of different people made sacrifices for that team,'' said Posey. ``We've talked about that here in terms of EVERYONE needing to help to get the job done. It's not easy at all, and everyone needs to realize that they have to help grind it out.''

With all the hoopla over the trades that brought in All-Stars Allen and Garnett, a major question remains as to whether or not another free agent acquisition, Scot Pollard, can team with Kendrick Perkins to give the Celtics some much needed defense and rebounding at the center position. The last thing coach Doc Rivers wants to do is shift Garnett away from his natural power forward position to man the pivot against bigger guys.

``My role is going to be an enforcer of sorts off the bench,'' said Pollard, a college teammate of Pierce at Kansas. ``People around the league know my game and know what to expect out of it. I think the Boston Celtics knew and that's why they wanted me here.

``I'm not coming in to take Perk's starting job by any means because he's great at what he does. (Perkins) is young and athletic and I'm old and not athletic. But there are certain things that I know how to do and I'm open to teaching some of the younger guys the tricks of the trade.''

Perkins already has reaped the benefits of playing with guys who will command extra attention. In three preseason games before injuring his left hamstring, the 6-10 center made 7-of-9 attempts from the field, with many of those shots coming from point-blank range.

``I'm getting a lot more easy layups, lot more easy dunks,'' Perkins said. ``I think we were forming a good chemistry with the first team before I got hurt, so I'm glad to be back out there.''

The Celtics desperately need to have Perkins and Pollard, who only started practicing this week due to an ankle injury, healthy as the options are hardly appealing. Brian Scalabrine, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Brandon Wallace are the only other big men on the roster - and none are taller than 6-9.

The other area of concern is at point guard, where the Celtics failed to land an experienced hand in the offseason. While Tony Allen and Eddie House could play the position in a pinch, both are more comfortable at the shooting guard position. As a result, second-year player Rajon Rondo and rookie Gabe Pruitt are being handed the keys to the car.

Rondo showed flashes last year, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 assists. But the stakes are higher this year. The 6-1 Kentucky product will be counted upon to distribute the ball amongst three All-Stars.

``I really don't think my role is going to change much,'' Rondo said. ``My main job is to get the ball to the other guys where they like it.''