Reduced role has McCarty lying in wait

When McCarty re-signed with the Celtics over the summer for three years and $4.1 million, he had every reason to hope for more than the 11.7 minutes of playing time per game he has averaged this season. After all, he had a starting job during last season's playoff run. Asked last night if he would have re-signed knowing what he knows now, McCarty said, "Of course I would [like more playing time]. But you know what? I've decided I'm not going to worry about that. I'm going to keep working on my game and make sure I stay ready. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn't, there's nothing I can do about it.

"It does surprise me. But you know what, what can you do? I just have to wait on my turn. It's very difficult when I think I should be out there, when I think I can help this team. I won't let it make me mad. I'm fortunate to do what I do and get paid a lot of money. Things could be a lot worse. I'm not going to say I regret [re-signing], but you think about it."

McCarty played a season-high 22 minutes at New Orleans Nov. 1. But since that game, he has had four DNP-CDs.

"Kedrick [Brown] and Walter are basically guys who [are there] if we need another man at the wing spot," said coach Jim O'Brien. "It will depend on what we need. Do we need to spread the court against a team that's going to play zone like [Memphis]? Then it would be Walter."

In last night's 96-89 loss to the Grizzlies, McCarty scored 5 points in 10 minutes. All 5 points (a 15-footer and 3-pointer) came in the final 1:19.

Best is yet to come

Memphis coach Hubie Brown has high praise -- and high expectations -- for his leading scorer, Pau Gasol. Brown reminded reporters that the 7-foot Spanish power forward is only 23. Gasol leads the Grizzlies in scoring (18.1), rebounds (8.3), and minutes (32.6).

"First of all, he's blessed," said Brown. "At his size, he can do an awful lot of things. He's got a lot of stuff. He's very quick. He can shoot with either hand inside.

"Would you like him to be a tougher guy? Yeah, absolutely. But you have to remember when you get these FIBA guys, it's not like getting a guy who's been in college here and who's gone through the weightlifting. They don't do that over there. They do a lot of running and stuff like that. We have to send our strength guy over there, twice during the summer, to work with him.

"From last year to this year, he's gained 15 pounds. But you can see he's still got a lot more to go on his frame. And he'll be able to handle it because he is so quick with the ball. He's got quick feet and he's got hands. Now, the other bottom line. He's not going to get the calls until we become a playoff team. We all know what that's about. It's part of the business."

After struggling in the first half last night, Gasol scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half and finished with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocked shots.

Taking a shine to Shane

Shane Battier also was praised by Brown, with good reason: He led the Grizzlies with 9 of his 12 points in the final quarter. "You never worry about Shane," said Brown. "If this league was full of Shane Battiers, all the buildings would be packed because every person would know that when that guy's out on the floor you're getting every ounce of what he has in commitment, and there is no better team player in this entire league." . . . James set a career high with 10 assists . . . The crowd of 12,478 at the FleetCenter was the smallest to watch the Celtics play this season, home or away . . . Memphis starting point guard Jason Williams did not play because of back spasms . . . While Troy Bell is on the injured list (left knee tendinitis), Brown said he is pleased with the progress of the former Boston College guard and expects him to see more playing time during the second half of the season . . . Pierce had zero assists in his 36 minutes last night.