Celtics, Greene close to finalizing contract

The Celtics plan to finalize a deal with second-round draft pick Orien Greene today, according to his agent Jason Levien. Greene, a 6-foot-4-inch point guard from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, joins a young roster that should offer plenty of opportunity to earn playing time. The multiyear deal should include a substantial guarantee and could be worth as much as $1.8 million.

Yesterday, there was some confusion as to whether the sides had agreed to terms. Levien spoke with Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge late last night to clear up the situation.

''What's pretty impressive about this is he's the only mid-major college player drafted in either round," said Levien. ''Then he doesn't have the opportunity to play in the summer league and he still obtains a real commitment from the Celtics."

Boston brought Greene, the 53d pick, to town for a predraft workout in May and liked the 23-year-old, though team officials suggested he work on his shot and explosiveness. Greene went back to Florida and did just that under the guidance of David Thorpe at the 5 Star Pro Training Center in Clearwater. When Greene returned for a second predraft workout in June, team officials were as impressed with his talent as with the improvement he made. When he reports for training camp, Greene hopes to make equally quick progress and contribute to the team this season.

''I'm just excited about it," said Greene. ''I'm ready to get back on the court and get started. Being a young team, we should jell well and I see a tremendous opportunity to get significant minutes."

To that end, Greene has chosen to spend the remainder of his summer in Boston working out and rehabilitating from recent surgery on his right foot for a fractured fifth metatarsal. The Celtics needed to convince Greene to skip summer league and have the operation so he could be ready for the start of training camp. Greene played with the fracture since last August.

Greene has been at the Celtics' training facility in Waltham on crutches with a boot protecting his foot. But he can still do upper-body weight work and get to know his new teammates.

The Celtics are expected to soon sign fellow second-rounder Ryan Gomes, the 50th pick, to a multiyear deal likely similar to the one they offered Greene.