Celtics in good health
Ainge: No offseason surgeries expected
Although final medical evaluations have yet to take place, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge does not expect any of his players will need surgery during the offseason.
Paul Pierce, MVP of the NBA Finals, suffered a right knee strain during Game 1 against the Lakers, a series that took its toll on some Celtics. Kendrick Perkins missed Game 5 with a left shoulder strain, but started Game 6, and Rajon Rondo was hampered with a bone bruise on his left ankle.
Ainge said no players have had X-rays since the Celtics won their 17th NBA championship Tuesday night and that the players probably will be evaluated next week.
"There is nothing serious that we know of," Ainge said. "There is nothing serious or urgent we have to deal with for the next couple of days. As far as we know, there is no need for surgeries."
Ainge said he has already had meetings with some players and will meet with more players "over the next few days." Next Thursday the Celtics will have the 30th and 60th picks the NBA draft. The Celtics will conduct a free agent camp in early July at their training facility in Waltham. Free agency also begins in July.
P.J. Brown, James Posey (who plans to exercise his free agent option June 30), Scot Pollard, Tony Allen, Eddie House, and Sam Cassell are scheduled to become free agents.
"It doesn't seem like we are ever done," Ainge said.
Said House: "I haven't even thought about [free agency]. I'm going to enjoy the festivities right now and cross that bridge when we get to it."
Cassell said, "I'll be back."
President Bush congratulated the Celtics for winning the NBA championship. Team owner Wyc Grousbeck said the president called him Wednesday, one day after the Celtics secured their first title in 22 years.
Grousbeck said, "That helped it sink in."
Grousbeck said Bush told him he really enjoyed the game and that the Celtics made Boston proud. It was "a very gracious, generous phone call," said Grousbeck.
Coach Doc Rivers gave each player and Grousbeck replica 2008 championship banners Wednesday night . . . The six games of the Finals are the most-watched television programs to date this month.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
