It's a quick fit for Szczerbiak

WALTHAM -- Wally Szczerbiak will start this afternoon when the Celtics play the Bucks at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. If coach Doc Rivers had his choice, Szczerbiak would play all 48 minutes. After one game and one practice together, that probably tells you all you need to know about how comfortable the Celtics feel with Szczerbiak, and vice versa.

''The defense concepts are very similar to what Minnesota did," Szczerbiak said yesterday after his first practice with the Celtics. ''I've been in the league a long time, so I'll be fine on defense. But offensively it's a lot different.

''Obviously, the calls are a lot different. The sets are very similar, because every team runs the same sets, but the options are just much more abundant on this team. We make a lot more reads and play a lot more freely.

''I've been in a system where we were running a lot of execution plays every time down the floor. Plays called for this guy, that guy gets the shot. Plays called for that guy, he gets the shot. It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it. It's a totally new page."

If an 84-74 victory over the Kings Friday night was any indication, Boston appears well on its way toward developing an improved chemistry on the court. Szczerbiak has particularly enjoyed working alongside Paul Pierce, constantly impressed with what Pierce can do.

''The main thing I'm going to learn from him is how he just moves so smoothly out there on the floor," said Szczerbiak. ''He never looks like he's taxing himself. He never looks like he's struggling. He never looks like he's pressing. He just plays at a tempo that keeps his defender totally off balance.

''You never know when he's changing speeds. I think he's one of the best ever at doing that. That's one thing I can learn from. He's a great leader. His attitude was unbelievable. He really welcomed me, which made me feel great. I'm going to have a good time playing with him."

When playing together, Szczerbiak and Pierce should make it difficult for opponents defensively. That was part of the plan when executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge made the trade. Minnesota vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale also saw the ways Szczerbiak could make the Celtics better.

''Kevin McHale said it really well," said Szczerbiak. ''I was always seeing the best perimeter defender, whether it was Bruce Bowen, Tayshaun Prince. Now, with Paul, we can complement each other to where if they put their best defender on him then maybe I can take someone in the post, take an advantage and exploit it.

''A big part of my game is trying to get close to the basket. Everyone says I'm a shooter, but I like to post up. I like to get high-percentage shots. You've got to get layups in order to shoot a high percentage."

The Celtics play tomorrow night in Minneapolis, so Szczerbiak expects the whirlwind to continue for a few days.

Despite a lingering ear infection that has left him feeling congested and ''not 100 percent" and a lot of air miles logged over the last 36 hours, he is ready.

Because today is an afternoon game, Szczerbiak will be able to spend time with his wife, Shannon, in Minneapolis before she undergoes a C-section at noon tomorrow to deliver the couple's second child, another daughter.

The Celtics and the Szczerbiaks probably would agree it's the perfect time for a new addition.

After sending four players to Minnesota in exchange for two NBA players, the Celtics are looking to add another player, likely with a 10-day contract if they don't bring up Gerald Green or Dwayne Jones from the development league. The Celtics would like to bring in either a point guard or a combination guard. Will Bynum, who spent most of training camp with the Celtics, is a possibility . . . Since the 3:30 p.m tipoff against the Bucks falls within the exclusive national broadcast window, FSN is prohibited from telecasting the game. As a result, there will be no TV coverage today . . . Dan Dickau and his wife, Heather, welcomed a second child. Lucas Daniel Dickau was born Friday and weighed in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces.