They could make power play for McDyess

Watch out, Pistons. The Celtics are expected to be a player in the Antonio McDyess sweepstakes.

McDyess, Chauncey Billups, and Cheick Samb were acquired by the Nuggets from Detroit Monday for Allen Iverson. McDyess, however, didn't want to return to Denver for a third stint, and an NBA source said a buyout of the final two years (at $6.8 million per) has been agreed upon. Once the buyout becomes official, 48 hours must pass before he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent.

An NBA source said that 17 teams, including the Celtics, have expressed interest in signing McDyess. While the Pistons are expected to re-sign the 14th-year power forward, 30 days must pass before he is eligible to sign with Detroit. Those close to McDyess know he desperately wants to win a title, which could improve the Celtics' hopes of stealing him away during the 30-day window.

The Celtics cannot comment on McDyess until he becomes a free agent. When asked about McDyess prior to last night's 101-89 win over the Bucks, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, "I didn't even hear what you just said. But we're always looking."

Celtics guard Sam Cassell, who like McDyess has an offseason home in Houston, believes McDyess could be a "huge" addition. McDyess, 34, averaged 8.8 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Pistons last season.

"He plays within his [game]," Cassell said. "I remember Dice when he first came into the league and he was one of the best power forwards in the game along with [Kevin Garnett], Tim Duncan, and those guys because he was that strong. You just couldn't stop him. He had the jump shot, he could run. He's definitely a player. That would be huge [to get him]."

Behind Garnett, the Celtics have Leon Powe and Glen Davis at power forward, but they didn't replace P.J. Brown during the offseason. McDyess could be that veteran presence. Celtics president Danny Ainge coached McDyess in Phoenix during the 1997-98 season.

"He's still got it," said Celtics guard Rajon Rondo of McDyess. "A lot of people consider him an old player, but last year in the playoffs he hit [21 points] and [16 rebounds] in one game. Especially with our defense, he could be a really good player.

"I only know him from the two years I've been in the league. But playing against him in a series in the playoffs, he could be a really good addition to our team."

Dinner conversation

Bucks guard Tyronn Lue had dinner Thursday night with his good friend Garnett. Lue, who won back-to-back titles with the Lakers in 2000 and '01, said he and Garnett have had several conversations about the challenge of repeating as champions.

"[Garnett] always asks how hard was it in LA," Lue said. "I had Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq [O'Neal], so it wasn't very hard. We always talk about that. You can't be hungry and satisfied with the one [title]. Now you have a target on your back and everyone is coming after you. I think [the Celtics] are ready for it and up for the challenge."

During the offseason, the Celtics courted two free agent point guards, Eddie House and Lue. House ended up re-signing with Boston for two years, while Lue inked a deal with the Bucks that will pay him $2.25 million this season, and $2.7 million next.

"I had a chance and an opportunity to come here," Lue said. "I just weighed a bunch of different options and what you want to do with your career . . . It's been great here in Milwaukee. [Coach] Scott Skiles is great. The team is great.

"Having a chance to play with [Garnett] would have been a great experience. Ultimately, I think I made the right decision. I think they ended up getting kind of desperate. They ended up giving [House] a better deal and he deserved it."

Allen a bit off

Ray Allen struggled offensively with 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting, including 1 of 6 from 3-point range, in 31 minutes.

"I didn't play him a lot tonight," Rivers said. "His minutes were kind of strange. He was phenomenal in the Houston game [29 points in a 103-99 win Tuesday]. I thought he played well, just missed shots, in the Oklahoma game [18 points in a 96-83 win Wednesday]. We didn't go to Ray a lot tonight."

Walker debuts

Rookie forward Bill Walker made his NBA debut in the fourth quarter and finished with 2 points on 1-of-2 shooting, 1 foul, and 1 turnover in four minutes. Guard J.R. Giddens, the last pick in the first round, has yet to be activated for a game.

"It's definitely different from the preseason," said Walker, who was the 47th overall pick in the second round by Washington before being dealt to Boston on draft night. "Just everything, the way guys play . . . [I was thinking], 'Don't make a mistake. Remember the plays. Remember my defensive stuff.' I was thinking so many things. I was just trying to be natural."

No seeing Redd

Bucks star guard Michael Redd missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle. Redd, who is averaging 21.3 points per game, was injured last Sunday against the Knicks.

Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com