July 12, 2008
The Celtics agreed to a deal yesterday with free agent center Patrick O'Bryant, believing in the process that they've satisfied a roster need.
What director of basketball operations Danny Ainge doesn't believe are reports that the 7-footer was badly winded and thus had a poor showing in a recent session with the Celts. ``I thought he had a fantastic workout with us,'' said Ainge, who is still in the hunt to retain free agents James Posey and Eddie House. ``The coaches were all really excited about the possibility of working with him.''
Ainge wouldn't discuss contract particulars, but according to league sources, O'Bryant will get a two-year deal at the minimum, which means the full mid-level exception remains available for Posey or any other combination of players.
Golden State selected O'Bryant with the ninth overall pick in the 2006 draft, but the former Bradley standout averaged just 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 40 appearances with the Warriors in two seasons.
``Everybody brings something different to the table, and we really like Patrick's potential for us,'' Ainge said. ``We've looked at him and watched a lot of tape. We feel like he's got a very good upside and we think he can help us now with his length and his skill. When we finished his workout and convened, all the coaches were excited about the chance that he would be with our team.
``I think Patrick's matured a lot both physically and mentally since we visited with him when he was coming out in the draft.'' As for whether the Celtics are still in the market for a veteran big man, Ainge said, ``We're satisfied with the players we have now on our front line.'' That, of course, could change if the right inside player is available at some point in the season (see: P.J. Brown or a reasonable facsimile thereof).
Meanwhile, the Posey watch continues.
The Celtics appear to be fairly set in their stance, reportedly not willing to go more than three years at the mid-level for the key reserve. ``I know that James likes Boston and we like James,'' said Ainge, ``but I don't know where we stand with what other teams are offering him.'' And just to answer an oft-asked e-mail question from fans, the NBA - unlike the NFL - does not allow its players to restructure contracts and free up money for others. Thus, Kevin Garnett cannot give back some of his millions to make more cash available for Posey.
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