UPSHAW WAIVED; SMITHS ON ROSTER

November 18, 1989

When Kelvin Upshaw began hearing a couple of weeks ago that his days as a Celtic were numbered, he begged to differ. The second-year guard was confident that his spot on the team was secure. He figured that either (a) he was naive or (b) those saying he was a goner didn't know what they were talking about.

Now it appears the correct answer is (a).

"I guess I was a little naive, maybe too confident," said Upshaw, who was waived yesterday morning. With the move, the Celtics activated first-round draft pick Michael Smith off the injured list. The move also solidifies the position of rookie guard Charles Smith, who was in a battle with Upshaw for the final spot on the roster before Michael Smith was placed on the injured list.

"I'll go on," said Upshaw. "I don't feel bad; I feel good. It's just something you run into. It's not always fun, but it's reality."

Upshaw joined the team last season, signing back-to-back 10-day contracts (March 9 and March 19), then signing for the rest of the season on March 28. Upshaw, who played for three Continental Basketball Association teams and the Miami Heat before joining the Celtics, did not appear in six of Boston's first eight regular-season games this year. He said coach Jimmy Rodgers informed him of the decision.

Asked how Upshaw took the information, Rodgers said, "How does anyone take a thing like that? It's difficult for both sides. Hopefully, things will work out for Kelvin."

"Rodgers just said that the team was going in a different direction, and I didn't ask for any other reason," said Upshaw. "I took that for what it's worth. It's one of those things you have no control over."

But it was one of those things he didn't think would happen. Although the Celtics brought in several guards this year, Upshaw felt confident he would land a spot. Early on, when his playing time tapered off, he remained confident.

"When people were saying, 'Kelvin's days are numbered,' I didn't believe it," he said. "But when I didn't get to play, I started to wonder."

Then came the game Wednesday night against New Jersey. The Celtics led by as many as 20 before halftime, 30 before the third quarter expired, but Upshaw didn't get off the bench. Some fans, many of whom were behind the Celtics bench, began yelling things like, "Upshaw, Upshaw," and "Play Kelvin -- he deserves it." He saw a little action in the fourth period, but he knew then something wasn't quite right.

"After the other night, I guess I did expect it," said Upshaw. "I said to myself, 'Maybe something is going on.'

"I've never been in the situation before as on the other night. That was embarrassing. It would have been different if I didn't have the skills. After that, I said to myself, 'Maybe it's time to go on. Maybe the Lord is telling me to do something else.' "

But Upshaw isn't angry.

"The fact that I didn't get a chance to play much and show what I can do this season is why I feel good about myself," said Upshaw. "I didn't get to play much in the regular season. I don't feel bad because I know I did the best I could."