Rasheed Wallace is not expected to make a decision on the Celtics' offer of a mid-level exception contract for at least a week. The Celtics sent Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, along with president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck, to Wallace's suburban Detroit home for a three-hour meeting Thursday.

Wallace will meet with other teams next week -- he is high on the lists for Orlando and San Antonio, teams which could offer him a starting position. The Celtics project Wallace as a backup. Charlotte is also interested in Wallace, who owns a home in North Carolina.

Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday morning that he doesn't expect to be returning to Boston after receiving a disappointing one-year contract offer paying $1.3 million using the veteran's minimum.

Marbury said his representative, National Basketball Players Association deputy counsel Hal Biagas, called to tell him about the Celtics offer on Thursday night. The 32-year-old said three other teams, which he would not disclose, are currently interested. The two-time All-Star signed with the Celtics on Feb. 27 for the rest of the season after working out a buyout of his contract with the Knicks that paid $21.8 million after dealing with a soap opera-like situation that kept him sidelined over a year. Marbury averaged 3.8 points and 3.3 assists in 18 minutes per game during 23 contests last season with Boston.

Despite the disappointment for Marbury, he was thankful the Celtics gave him a chance after his Knicks situation ended.

"Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.," said Marbury, via e-mail to The Globe. "The fans treated me with open arms and that's all anyone can ask for."

The Celtics have also made a contract offer to Detroit free agent forward-center Rasheed Wallace using the mid-level exception (expected to be at least $5.6 million) and are in luxury tax territory. Boston has three other point guards on the roster in Rajon Rondo, Eddie House and Gabe Pruitt, who has a team option for next season that must be decided upon by Aug. 1. The Celtics have also inquired about Orlando free agent point guard Tyronn Lue.

The Boston Globe reports that a source close to the situation says Lakers forward Trevor Ariza has agreed in principle to sign with Houston in a five-year deal worth $33 million.

An NBA source said that the Celtics offered Pistons free agent F/C Rasheed Wallace a contract using the mid-level exception today during a three-hour meeting in Detroit.

The Celtics All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, coach Doc Rivers, president Danny Ainge, and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck all attended the meeting.

While interested, the source said Wallace was in no rush to make a decision.

Other teams projected to be interested in his services are Charlotte, San Antonio, Orlando, and Cleveland.

One day after both sides confirmed interest in each other, the Celtics will reportedly meet in person with free agent forward Rasheed Wallace today in Michigan.

From his Twitter account, Comcast SportsNet's Gary Tanguay wrote this morning: "Rasheed update. KG in on sales pitch. It looks like Celts are meeting Rasheed in Michigan. KG, Doc, Wyc and Danny making trip."

Shortly after he added; "Ray and Paul may join them as well."

Some clever Twitter users followed up by Tweeting to Pierce's account to see if he could confirm the news, but he hasn't posted an update since June 25.

While introducing second-round draft choice Lester Hudson Wednesday at the team's practice facility in Waltham, Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge held a lengthy Q&A with the media on the subject of free agency. Here are some highlights:

• On Leon Powe: Ainge noted Powe is an unrestricted free agent, but said the team would take a wait-and-see approach as he recovers from a season-ending knee injury sustained in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs. the Bulls: "We know that Leon's not going to be available until late in the season, possibly, so yeah, that's a big factor... We'll certainly keep tabs on Leon, monitor his progress this summer and throughout the year."

• On Glen Davis: Davis is a restricted free agent and the Celtics plan to make a qualifying offer to get the ball rolling on an attempt to bring back Big Baby. "Everything has been positive with Glen," said Ainge. "We haven't had negotiations, right now Glen will be out there testing the market, seeing what the market dictates." Ainge noted that a handful of players who may have originally been expected to opt out of their deals to pursue free agency did not, suggesting the market might not be as lucrative as players may have hoped.

• On the Celtics' approach to free agency: "Everybody is trying to get a feel for where the market is. A lot of guys start July 1 with big dollar signs in their eyes. Some get it, some don't. Some come looking for anything later this summer."

• On building a team around the Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen: "Because we have the Big 3, we didn't have a draft pick in the first round again this year. We've been drafting late and the success rate of late draft picks isn't high. Most teams build through the draft and free agency. What becomes the challenges is managing the future and the here and now. We do have good players and half our roster is under 25 (years old)."

• On Rajon Rondo: "We've got a starting point guard (Rondo), who we'd like to pay at some point. It's not always about getting the best player. It might be getting the best player at the right value." Ainge noted negotiations with Rondo's agent wouldn't start until at least later this summer.

• On the mid-level exception: Ainge wouldn't tip his hand noting, "I don't prefer either way. We might use the mid-level exception, we might split it, or we might save it."

Ainge also touched on bringing back Eddie House ("shooting is a premium in the league") and the process of evaluating draft picks and veteran players. For more, check out the video at the top of this entry.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told Comcast Sportsnet's Gary Tanguay today that he was interested in free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace, and that the team would meet with him soon.

"I think he would love playing with [Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen]," Ainge told Tanguay.

No timetable has been set for Wallace's meeting with the Celtics, according to Tanguay, though he thought it would be soon.

Wallace, who made $13.68 million last season while averaging 12 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in Detroit, would likely need to take a major pay cut to play in Boston.

His attitude problems have been well documented, but when Wallace is on, he's one of the most versatile big men in the game. Wallace seemed to quit on his team during last season's playoffs, a four-game sweep at the hands of the Cavs. But his name has been surfacing all over the place.

"The Celtics want him and he wants the Celtics," Tanguay said a couple of nights ago, sounding pretty certain Wallace would land in Boston.

On today's episode of Globe 10.0, Tony Massarotti and Dan Shaughnessy discussed the possibility of Wallace joining the Celtics, something they both think would be a worthy endeavor.

"I think I'm in the 'OK, take a chance on this' [line of thinking] because you figure the talent is so far above the other people you're talking about," Shaughnessy says "Rasheed Wallace is an incredible talent. He's 6-foot-11, he can shoot it from 30 feet. If he wants to help you he can really help you.

"I've got to think with Garnett, Pierce, Allen, that's going to bring out the best in him. I'm even told he would accept a coming-off-the-bench role."

What do you think about the possibility of Wallace on the Celtics? A worthwhile pursuit or too much baggage for your taste? Let us know in the comments section.

Boston.com's Gary Dzen contributed to this report.

Celtics draft choice Lester Hudson was the second-leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 last season, averaging 27.2 points per game for the University of Tennessee at Martin. But Hudson is expected to contribute more than offense to the Celtics.

"Lester is probably known for being a scorer in college basketball," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said today. "But we see Lester as a much greater player than that. He's one of the best defensive players in college on the perimeter, he averages eight rebounds per game as a point guard. He's a tough kid."

Hudson participated in a morning press conference, then took part in a shooting drill with assistant coach Mike Longabardi.

"I've been playing basketball all my life and it's been hard growing up for me," Hudson said. "I used to play at the playground, older guys pushing on me and make me play harder. I just want to go out and work hard like I've been working, go out and compete every day, work hard at practice."

Hudson, 24, who was presented with a No. 26 Celtics jersey, will play for the team in the Orlando Summer League next week. The Celtics team will also include center-forward Mike Sweetney, 27, formerly of the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.

Eddie House decided yesterday against free agency and will remain with the Celtics next season, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. House, who could have exercised a player option and declared for free agency today, has one year remaining on a contract worth $2.86 million.

‘‘Eddie is staying in the contract,’’ Bartelstein said. ‘‘It was a tough decision. We went back and forth the last couple of weeks. But, when it was all said and done, Eddie loved his time in Boston, he feels like he is on a championship contender, he really enjoys playing with his teammates and playing for Doc [Rivers], and the fans have been great to him.

‘‘There is no question there would have been a tremendous amount of interest in Eddie. Who wouldn’t want him? But there is the unknown, not knowing where you are going to end up, and he really enjoys going to work every day with the Celtics.

‘‘He’ll stay at least one more year and he can go into free agency next year, if he wants. But he has a comfort zone there; he’s enjoyed the experience, and he didn’t want to walk away from it.

‘‘He can play a lot more years. He takes good care of himself and he’s an absolute pro. There are not a lot of times in life where you find a place that feels like home and you have a chance to win the championship, and he’s got that.’’

House, 31, averaged 8.5 points off the bench in 81 games last season.

The Celtics’ other unrestricted free agents are guard Stephon Marbury and center Mikki Moore and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said the team will make a qualifying offer to Glen Davis, a restricted free agent.

‘‘We’re excited to have Eddie back,’’ Ainge said. ‘‘We hope we have Glen back — we are confident we can bring him back. The market will dictate what he gets. We have interest in Steph. We like who he was and what he did for us. We have some interest in him.’’

Ainge confirmed the Celtics will attempt to use their mid-level exception. ‘‘It just has to be for the right player,’’ he said.The Celtics are concentrating on power forwards and backup centers.

Possible free agents on their list include: forwards Grant Hill (Phoenix), Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace (Detroit), Jamario Moon (Miami), Lamar Odom (Lakers), Zaza Pachulia (Atlanta), Anthony Parker (Toronto); center Chris Wilcox (New York); and guard Marquis Daniels (Indiana).

Hill, 36, who was coached by Rivers in Orlando, played all 82 games for the Suns last season, the first time in his career he has not missed a game. The Celtics pursued McDyess last February before signing Moore. Odom (who earned $11 million last season) and Wallace ($13.68 million) likely would have to take major pay reductions to join the Celtics. Pachulia or Wilcox could serve as reserves behind center Kendrick Perkins.

The Celtics are also considering a backup for Paul Pierce, but they could go with last year’s draft choices, J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, whose development will be gauged next week in the Orlando Summer League.

Parker, a starter for the Raptors, Daniels, and Moon are perimeter threats who could fill in behind Pierce.

Frank Dell’Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.

It starts in house, literally and figuratively.

The Celtics will approach NBA free agency, which begins at midnight tonight, by looking internally and deciding who they'd like to bring back from last year's team. Eddie House exercised his $2.86 million player option and is returning, but Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Stephon Marbury, and Mikki Moore, are all eligible to turn into pumpkins (and field offers from other teams) at midnight tonight. Celtics GM Danny Ainge has already said the team will make a qualifying offer to Davis, a restricted free agent, meaning the Celtics would have seven days to match an offer made by any other team to the bruising forward.

With Marbury and Moore, both unrestricted, there remains a question of mutual interest, or lack thereof (Marbury has said he'd like to come back to Boston for a "reasonable" offer). With Powe, who is restricted, the question is health.

But while Davis is the remaining internal key to free agency for Boston, the Celtics will surely be exploring the market to fill any holes on their roster. Having only added Lester Hudson with the No. 58 pick in this year's draft, the Celtics figure to be active in at least exploring the market. Note, however, that the Celtics are projected to be in luxury tax territory by about $2 million if they bring back only their current free agents. But that doesn't factor in any potential cap space freeing trades, or the willingness of this current ownership group to spend money on a winning team.

With all the caveats out of the way, here are some names the Celtics might (or should) at least kick the tires on:

Rasheed Wallace: His attitude problems have been well documented, but when Wallace brings it, he's one of the most versatile big men in the game. Wallace seemed to quit on his team during last season's playoffs, a four-game sweep at the hands of the Cavs. But his name has been surfacing all over the place.

"The Celtics want him and he wants the Celtics," Comcast Sportsnet's Gary Tanguay said last night, sounding pretty certain Wallace would land in Boston.

We'll see whether Tanguay's prognostication comes true.

Grant Hill: Doc Rivers coached Hill in Orlando in what can now be considered another era. Hill's time as one of the league's preeminent players ended long ago, but he's capable of providing veteran leadership in a bench role. If you can believe it, Hill started in 68 games last season for Phoenix and averaged 12 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Marcin Gortat: Unintentionally sticking with former Magic players here. He's restricted, so the Magic would have the right to match any offer, but Dwight Howard's backup has proven he's more than capable of playing a key role (3.8 points, 4.5 rebounds) in the middle off the bench. Think the Celtics would have preferred him to Mikki Moore last season?

Chris Anderson: He's unrestricted, he's turned his life around, and he's the consummate hustle player. He's also a marketing director's dream. Wherever he ends up, and the price is likely to be high, they'll surely sell a lot of Birdman gear.

Anderson Varejao: Another energy guy. While his performance against Dwight Howard and the Orlando front line was disheartening in the playoffs, Varejao just oozes intensity. He's the guy the other team's fans hate (in the Joakim Noah mold). And that's why he'd be a great fit (though his almost $6 million salary could price him out of Boston).

Matt Barnes: Barnes (10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds for Phoenix) fills the athletic forward role much like Michael Pietrus did for the Magic this season. Is he the James Posey replacement the Celtics have been looking for?

Anthony Parker: Parker is another possibility in the athletic small forward role. Entering his sixth NBA season, Parker averaged 10.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for the Raptors last season.

Dahntay Jones: The former Duke guard was a contributor in Denver's playoff run last season, averaging 7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The Celtics drafted Jones 20th overall in 2003, and a return trip to Boston would probably be affordable for both sides if there was mutual interest.

Marquis Daniels: It's looking like the Pacers won't pick up the $7.5 million option on Daniels for next season, making him a free agent. Still, the versatile shooting guard might demand a higher salary than the Celtics have to give.

Ron Artest: This one is probably a stretch (Artest made $7.4 million last season and is likely to demand just as much for next year), but the Rockets might have to rebuild if Yao can't go. Artest would be filthy as a lockdown defender off the bench.

Jason Kidd: He's rumored to be visiting New York on Wednesday. Would Kidd accept a backup role to Rajon Rondo? If Rondo is traded, could Kidd handle the full-time point guard duties on a championship team? Lots of questions, but lots of fun to talk about, too.

Mike Bibby: He's Eddie House's brother-in-law. Might the Celtics sign one family member over another? Bibby's a better ball handler than House, but House's shooting has been unreal the last two seasons.

This list is by no means complete (colleague Marc Spears has another list here). Answer our survey below or leave a comment for who you'd like the Celtics to go after.

By Frank Dell'Apa and Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed Monday the team will make a qualifying offer to forward Glen Davis.

By virtue of that, if another NBA team were to sign Davis, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet, Boston would have seven days to match it.

Davis, whose annual salary is $711,517, increased his value with strong performances late in the regular season and playoffs, replacing the injured Kevin Garnett in the starting lineup.

Davis averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in the postseason, and hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer in Game 4 of the second-round series against Orlando.

Also, guard Eddie House will decide Tuesday on whether to accept his $2.86 million option for next season or become a free agent, according to agent Mark Bartelstein.

And free agent guard Stephon Marbury said he would like to re-sign with the Celtics if he is offered a fair deal. Marbury will be an unrestricted free agent beginning Wednesday and is excited about the possibility of making a title run again next season.

‘‘I’m not trying to get a bunch of money,’’ Marbury said. ‘‘I know Boston doesn’t have a bunch of money. I’m not seeking out teams with more money. I want to play for a championship-contending team. I can’t play for a young team that’s not in a position to compete for a championship.

The expansion NBA Development League Maine Red Claws will announce an affiliation with the Celtics today.
The Red Claws also will be affiliated with the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Celtics have been affiliated with the Utah Flash the last two seasons.
The new D-League Springfield team will be affiliated with Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
The Rockets are also going to have a single affiliation with D-League Rio Grande, which means Houston will take up some of the costs and make many of the team's operations decisions.

Ex-UMass forward Tony Gaffney, who wasn't selected in Thursday's NBA Draft, will play for the Lakers' summer league team. NBA free agent swingman Gary Forbes, a former UMass star, will be playing on the Sixers' summer league team.

Despite being undrafted Thursday, ex-Boston College guard Tyrese Rice and ex-UConn forward Jeff Adrien of Brookline have both landed on NBA summer league rosters. Rice will be playing for Washington and Adrien will be playing for Memphis on teams playing in the Vegas Summer League in July.

Here's a YouTube highlight video of Lester Hudson, who the Celtics drafted with their lone selection (second round, 58th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft.

And here's the scouting report from our Draft Tracker:

Lester Hudson (AP)

After withdrawing from last year's NBA draft and returning to Tennessee-Martin for his senior season, Hudson again finished as one of the nation's leading scorers, but the projected combo guard is likely a late second-round pick at best. Given his upbringing in a rough Memphis neighborhood, Hudson was a longshot to make it this far. He didn't graduate from high school or Southwest Tennessee Community College in his hometown, where he played his first two seasons. Hudson had to pay his own way at Tennessee-Martin while sitting out a year. When he became eligible, the guard recorded the first quadruple-double in NCAA history in his third game with the Skyhawks and finished fifth nationally with 25.7 points per game. He improved that average to 27.5 points this season to finish second behind Davidson's Stephen Curry. Hudson ended his career as the two-time Ohio Valley Conference player of the year and was twice named an honorable mention All-American. His size isn't ideal for either guard spot in the NBA, but Hudson could appear in a camp this season or play in the Development League. With his history, the recent college graduate could eventually work his way on to a roster somewhere.

With their lone selection, the Celtics chose Tennessee-Martin guard Lester Hudson with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder set an Ohio Valley Conference single-season scoring record with 880 points last season. The two-time OVC Player of the averaged 27.5 points per game last season which ranked nationally second only to Davidson guard Stephen Curry. Hudson also played two seasons at Southwest Tennessee Community College and sat out the 2006-07 season at Tennesee-Martin due to academic reasons. Celtics president Danny Ainge said he wasn't certain whether Hudson would play in summer league play in Orlando in July or whether he would have a chance to make the team next season. While intrigued by Hudson, Ainge admitted that he was disappointed that St. Mary's guard Patrick Mills was picked a little bit earlier.
"I like who he is," Ainge said. "I like his tougness, his ability to score. He has strength and is long. He is one of those guys with the ability to shoot the ball."

An NBA source told The Boston Globe that a trade was just consummated sending Nets forward Vince Carter to Orlando for guard Rafer Alston, forward Tony Battie and guard Courtney Lee.

USA Basketball announced that 25 young NBA players, including Celtics forward Glen Davis, have accepted invitations from USA Basketball to participate in the 2009 USA Basketball Men's National Team mini-camp that will be conducted July 22-25 in Las Vegas.

The selections were announced by USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo today. Celtics guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins were also invited but won't be able to attend due to Perkins' previously scheduled wedding on July 25.

The USA Basketball Men's National Team mini-camp will feature practice sessions on July 23 and July 24 at Valley High School, and the mini-camp will be capped by the USA Basketball Showcase, a Blue-White intra-squad game, on July 25, 8 p.m. (PDT) at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV.

Accepting an invitation to attend the July 22-25 mini- camp were: Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers / Texas); Trevor Ariza (Los Angeles Lakers / UCLA); D.J. Augustin (Charlotte Bobcats / Texas); Jerryd Bayless (Portland Trail Blazers / Arizona); Ronnie Brewer (Utah Jazz / Arkansas); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder / Texas); Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies / Connecticut); Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers / New Mexico); Jeff Green (Oklahoma City Thunder / Georgetown); Blake Griffin (University of Oklahoma); Devin Harris (New Jersey Nets / Wisconsin); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers / Arizona); Kyle Korver (Utah Jazz / Creighton); David Lee (New York Knicks / Florida); Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets / Stanford); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves / UCLA); O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies / USC); Paul Millsap (Utah Jazz / Louisiana Tech); Greg Oden (Portland Trail Blazers / Ohio State); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls / Memphis); Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers / Washington); Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks / Oak Hill Academy, Va.); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder / UCLA); and Thaddeus Young (Philadelphia 76ers / Georgia Tech).

"While we look to continue to build continuity within the USA national team program and continue to improve, in 2009 we will get a look at some of the top young NBA players who haven't been involved in USA Basketball at the top national program level previously. Although some of these players have represented USA Basketball in the past, this is their opportunity to be considered for the next generation of players who will help make up the USA Basketball National program. As was the case in 2005-08, the roster for the national team program will be fluid in 2010-2012 and we will make adjustments to the roster each year to help insure we have the strongest program and the strongest teams possible," said Colangelo.

On today's episode of Globe 10.0 (now on Facebook!), the Globe's Bob Ryan and Dan Shaughnessy discuss the recent trade that sends Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers gave up very little to bring in O'Neal, sending Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a second-round draft pick, and cash to the Suns. The aging but ever-imposing O'Neal joins LeBron James on a team that went 39-2 at home last season and was 8-0 in the 2009 playoffs before imploding against the Magic.

So what kind of impact with one of the NBA's 50 greatest players of all time have on his new team?

"On offense he's still got something left," says Ryan. "If he's motivated and in shape he can still play offense."

While Ryan questions Shaq's ability to stay with quicker players on defense, Shaughnessy says the change of scenery will bring out the best in O'Neal.

"History shows when he goes to a new place it's usually pretty good right out of the gate," said Shaughnessy. "And life got a lot harder for Kendrick Perkins, too."

What do you think? Are the Cavs a better team with Shaq? How do you see the Eastern Conference shaping up next year? Vote in our survey or leave a comment below.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge acknowledged via text message tonight that he doesn't expect his franchise to make any trades to get into the first round, acquire a second round pick, or to get a player. Boston currently only has the 58th overall pick in the second round.

With Rajon Rondo's name continually popping up in trade rumors, Celtics president Danny Ainge spoke once again this morning about his point guard, stressing his value to the team while also saying "he's got to grow up" in some areas and making other critical comments.

Speaking this morning on WEEI's "Dennis and Callahan" program, Ainge said Rondo needed to take more of a leadership role and revealed the 23-year-old was fined for showing up late to a playoff game.

"We expect him to play by the rules and be a leader as a point guard. We need him to be more of a leader," Ainge said. "There were just a couple situations where he was late this year, I don't know if he was sitting in his car, but showed up late and the rest of the team was there. We have team rules and you have to be on time. He was fined for being late, he said he was stuck in traffic, and it's just unacceptable."

Ainge was also critical of Rondo's play during the Celtics' second-round loss to the Magic.

"As we saw in the Orlando series, they left him wide open," Ainge said. "His presence hurt us in winning right now because his man went and doubled onto Ray [Allen] and Paul [Pierce] and made it difficult for us."

Ainge said Rondo still hasn't fully matured.

"He's got to grow up in some cases, and I think he is, too," Ainge said. "Slowly but surely Rondo is maturing. He's getting a little bit more control over his emotions and he's responding in a more positive way as he gets older and more mature in the league. We certainly would not trade him because of those things. ... We really need him as our point guard to be a leader than someone who thinks more of himself at times."

Ainge's comments were not entirely negative. When asked if Rondo was one of the top handful of point guards in the league, Ainge said he was "in the conversation" and "in the top 10 for sure". He also stressed again that the Celtics were not looking to run Rondo out of town.

"Rondo certainly is not a disruptive force on our team," Ainge said. "He’s a dynamic player and we love the kid. We’re not looking to trade Rondo because he was late for a playoff game or because he’s got some growing up to do. Some of our 30-year-old players have growing up to do as well. ... I think a lot of people are making something out of nothing that’s really there."

Rondo is still on a rookie contract, but his deal can be extended before the end of October. If the Celtics haven't reached an agreement with Rondo by then he will become a restricted free agent after next season, but Boston will have the chance to match any offer he may get. Rondo could be difficult for the Celtics to re-sign for salary cap reasons. Rondo has said he hopes to be a maximum-contract player.

"I think it's a good goal for Rondo to have just from a monetary standpoint, but to be that kind of player that warrants a max contract -- I certainly don't see Rondo as a max-contract player today," Ainge said. "Next summer is a summer where we'll probably have to make some financial decisions on Rondo if we don't come to a conclusion this summer."

(Last updated at 1:30 p.m.) ... Listen to the full WEEI interview here.

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, here is what I've accumulated thus far with the NBA Draft arriving Thursday:

• While Memphis is expected to draft UConn center Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2, there are rumors that Minnesota could be interested in trading its newly acquired fifth and sixth picks for the No. 2 pick to get Spanish guard Ricky Rubio.
• While there has been talk around the NBA from several scouts that the Celtics have been shopping guard Rajon Rondo, he isn't expected to be dealt. While unlikely, one Eastern Conference executive said the latest trade rumor included Rondo and forward Brian Scalabrine going to Memphis for guard Mike Conley and swingman Rudy Gay. On the flip side, one NBA GM said that he asked Celtics president Danny Ainge about Rondo and Ainge said he didn't want to trade him.
• Portland and Phoenix are interested in trading for one of Minnesota's two picks in the top 10 (No. 5 or No. 6).
• If Davidson guard Stephen Curry is gone before New York selects at No. 8, the Knicks would likely lean toward drafting Duke guard Gerald Henderson, with USC forward DeMar DeRozan also getting strong consideration.
• One NBA scout said he wouldn't be surprised if Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks doesn't get drafted until the mid-to-late second round since he is a one-dimensional scorer.
• North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough's stock is rising. While Atlanta, Utah, and New Orleans have interest, he will likely get picked before they got a chance to snatch him.
• Detroit is interested in Gonzaga forward Austin Daye and Ohio State center B.J. Mullens with the 15th pick. Chicago also has interest in Mullens and Israel forward Omri Casspi.
• Sacramento, which has the fourth pick, has had three visits with Holiday.
• While Memphis combo-guard Tyreke Evans may have point guard skills and is extremely gifted offensively, several scouts said he thinks shoot first, second, and third.
• Don't be surprised if new Milwaukee forward Bruce Bowen gets bought out of his $4 million contract next season and becomes an unrestricted free agent.
• Here's a shot in the dark at who the Celtics will pick at 58th: Southern Illinois defensive-minded guard Bryan Mullins.
• Key guys to keep an eye on as possible trade bait Thursday include Cleveland forward-center Ben Wallace, New Jersey swingman Vince Carter, Orlando guard Rafer Alston, a Los Angeles Clipper big man named either Marcus Camby (most likely him), Chris Kaman or Zach Randolph and New York forward-center David Lee.

The Celtics rumor mill churned out a blockbuster this morning, though to hear Danny Ainge tell it, any whispered deal is unlikely to become reality.

Unidentified league sources told Yahoo Sports's Adrian Wojnarowski that the Celtics offered guard Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Pistons in exchange for a package that would include forward Tayshaun Price, and guards Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey. The sources said the Pistons immediately rejected the potential trade.

When asked about the rumor this morning during a press conference at the team's facility in Waltham, Ainge did not offer a denial of the specific report, but strongly indicated he does not expect to deal Rondo, the remarkably talented but erratic 23-year-old point guard.

“We love Rajon and I’m not going to comment on which rumors are true or not true," said Ainge, the Celtics' president of basketball operations. "We love this kid and I don’t anticipate trading anyone from our core."

According to Wojnarowski, Ainge and Detroit general manager Joe Dumars never discussed the deal. Instead, Ainge delegated making the proposal to another Celtics executive over the weekend. When Detroit immediately rejected the proposal, there was no reason for Ainge and Dumars to discuss the deal.

While Ainge did not deny that Rondo's name comes up in trade conversations -- "We've had discussions, but there's discussions every day," he said -- he suggested it would be difficult to get a player in return who could help the Celtics win immediately.

"If you look at a trade rumor and if you think it makes us a better team and helps us to win a championship this year, that's the first criteria that any trade rumor has to pass -- that it has to help us win the championship this year," he said.

As Wojnarowski noted in the Yahoo report, it is not unusual for a GM to have someone else in the front office float a trade on his behalf, just to provide some level of deniability if a rumor becomes public. To a degree, that's the approach Ainge took today.

"We're certainly not doing anything this year to get a draft pick that's a developmental project that is going to prevent us winning a championship this year," Ainge said. "I've had many conversations. But a rumor that said lower-level executives are talking about a trade rumor pretty much means it doesn't really have any merit or any value, if it's not being discussed at the top."

Ainge acknowledged that no player is untradable, but said the Celtics will most likely retain all of their core players while looking to add a veteran or two to the bench. He said he sees no reason to shake up a team already built to make a run at a championship.

"We've won 128 games in the last two years," Ainge said. "This year, we won 62 and had major injuries. We're a championship contender, for sure, in the last few years and we feel like we're going to be better this year -- we'll have a better team on the court."

There has been speculation that the confident Rondo's attitude has rubbed some within the Celtics organization the wrong way. Ainge said that is far from the case.

“That stuff is so false," Ainge said of Rondo, who averaged 11.9 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds in the regular season, and had three triple-doubles in the Celtics' playoff run this season.

As for Allen, the six-time All-Star shooting guard has been mentioned in trade talks even more frequently than Rondo this summer. Allen, who will soon turn 34, has an expiring contract of nearly $20 million, for next season, which is appealing to teams looking to clear cap space for the monster free-agent class of 2010.

The contracts of both Rondo ($3.7 million) and Allen ($19.7 million) expire after next season.

Stuckey ($1.8 million) is signed through 2010 with a $2.7 million team option for 2011, Prince's deal (average of $10.7 million per season) expires at the end of the 2011 season, and Hamilton is under contract through 2012 (at an average of about $11.3 million per season).

* * *

What do you think about this rumored offer? Share your thoughts in the comments section or by voting in the survey below.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge believes the team will improve next season -- without adding significant players through the NBA draft or trades.

In fact, Thursday night's Celtic activity during the draft "could be pretty boring," Ainge said during a press conference this morning in Waltham, "compared to what we've been through the last few years on draft day, it could be very boring. We have a very good team right now and that's a good position to be in -- that we're drafting this late in the draft, we have good young prospects, half our roster is under 25 years old. We have a very young roster."

Ainge said no player is "untradeable," but the Celtics are seeking to maintain their star players and, possibly, add a free agent.

"We've won 128 games in the last two years," Ainge said. "This year, we won 62 and had major injuries. We're a championship contender, for sure, in the last few years and we feel like we're going to be better this year -- we'll have a better team on the court."

Ainge said that Kevin Garnett is recovering well from knee surgery and should be ready for training camp in the fall. He also noted that Leon Powe, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the playoffs, was improving following surgery but probably would not be ready for the start of the season.

What do you think was the worst NBA Draft of all-time and also this decade?

On today's episode of Globe 10.0 (now on Facebook!), the Globe's Bob Ryan and Christopher L. Gasper discuss the recent trade rumors involving Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Kendrick Perkins that have been mentioned over the airwaves and on the Internet over the last week or so.

In next week's draft, "the Celtics do not pick until the second round ... but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning out some whoppers!," Ryan says.

The latest of those whoppers has Allen and Rondo possibly heading to Phoenix for Amare Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa, and the 14th overall pick in the draft. Another includes Kendrick Perkins as part of a potential trade to Memphis for the No. 2 overall pick. While both Ryan and Gasper acknowledge they would not be surprised if Danny Ainge made some sort of deal before the draft, they both thought those latest whispers were "nonsense."

"Danny Ainge is a noted wheeler and dealer, so we can't be shocked if something happens," Ryan says. "But the things we're hearing about" don't seem realistic.

In the first package, Stoudemire is obviously the prize (the 6-foot-10-inch forward averaged 21 points per game last season), but both Ryan and Gasper agree that the price for him would cause more problems than solutions for the Celtics. For example, who plays the point if the Celtics deal Rondo?

"If I'm trading Rondo, I need to get back Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Derrick Rose, certainly no one in this draft is going to do it for me," Gasper says.

What about the possibility of trading Perkins?

"Trading Perkins makes less than no sense," Ryan says, "unless the plan was taking that No. 2 pick that you'd get from Memphis in theory and taking [UConn center] Hasheem Thabeet ...

"I think he could become the next [Dikembe] Mutombo but that's way down the road."

Gasper adds, "Usually when you draft for size, that's usually a mistake."

Ryan thought that if the Celtics were going to dangle anyone in a potential trade, it would be Allen, who turns 34 soon and is entering the final year of his contract.

Ainge recently told the Boston Herald that the Celtics trading up in the draft was "possible, but unlikely," and an unidentified team source told the newspaper "Rondo's not going to be traded."

What do you think? Should the Celtics consider either of the trade scenarios above? Do you think there's any chance of Ainge making another blockbuster before next Thursday's draft? Watch the clip above and have your say in the survey below and in the comments section of this blog entry.

An NBA source said today that Minnesota forward-center Al Jefferson is not being traded to the Suns with the sixth overall pick for Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. An NBA executive told The Globe on Wednesday that the teams discussed the trade. But another source acknowledged the discussion, but also said the Suns were quickly turned down. The source added that the Wolves new general manager David Kahn has even called Jefferson, an ex-Celtic, to tell him the trade would not happen. As for Stoudemire, the cost-cutting Suns definitely seem interesting in moving him and his hefty salary.

So my boy Arthur Triche and I were contemplating worldwide talk that Kobe is now Top 5 in NBA history. So is Kobe better than MJ, Bird, Magic, Wilt, Dr. J, Kareem, Havlicek, The Mailman, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Hakeem, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Duncan, Shaq, Mikan, Cousy, Moses Malone, Stockton, KG, Ewing, David Robinson, Barkley, Isiah and Drexler, Earl the Pearl, Bill Walton, Willis Reed, Iverson, Rick Barry, Petit, Dominique? How many of these guys is he better than? Are we missing another challenger?

NBA COACHES ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE:

The NBA Coaches Association announced today that legendary Celtics player and coach Tommy Heinsohn will receive the inaugural “Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.” The award carries on the memory of Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly.

Daly set a standard of integrity, class and competitive excellence, and his recent passing is mourned by his fellow coaches. The award will recognize a coach who made special contributions to the sport throughout his NBA career and whose body of work had a positive, lasting impact on the NBA coaching profession. It will be presented annually to a current or former NBA head or assistant coach.

Following his Hall of Fame playing career, Tommy Heinsohn led the Celtics to two NBA championships as head coach in 1974 and 1976. During eight-plus seasons on the Celtics’ sideline, Heinsohn displayed a passion for the game and an unwavering loyalty to the Boston franchise that continues today. His love and respect for the game, along with his major contributions to the establishment of the NBA Coaches Association, make him a perfect choice for the inaugural “Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.”

"I'm honored by this recognition," said Heinsohn. "Chuck Daly was a man and a coach who everyone had great respect for, and to be recognized in his memory is very special. I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all those who coach and have coached in the NBA."

Dallas Mavericks head coach and NBA Coaches Association President Rick Carlisle added: “Like Chuck, Tommy Heinsohn has shown a lifetime devotion to improving NBA basketball for all who play, coach and watch the sport. His dedication, drive and vision unified NBA coaches and helped ensure their welfare for decades to come. Tommy helped pave the way for future coaches to make meaningful contributions to the game beyond the locker room and sidelines. All NBA coaches owe Tommy a debt of gratitude for his work and his example.”

The NBA Coaches Association encompasses all current head and assistant coaches, as well as an active alumni totaling more than 225 members. The NBA Coaches Association is an integral part of the NBA family, working closely with the league on a wide variety of game-related, marketing and community service initiatives. With the “Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award” the association salutes Tommy Heinsohn for his groundbreaking efforts on behalf of our group.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that assistant Tom Thibodeau withdrew from consideration from the head coaching job with the Sacramento Kings.

Thibodeau, who also interviewed for the Philadelphia 76ers job, is expected to rejoin the Celtics bench next season.

Intriguing -- if vague -- report in the Memphis Commercial-Appeal this morning suggesting that the Celtics have inquired about acquiring the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft from the Memphis Grizzlies.

. . . The Griz still are entertaining offers for the No. 2 pick as well as their 27th and 36th selections.

As the rumor mill churns, the Griz have been approached by several teams about acquiring the second overall pick. Boston, Houston, and New York are said to be among the most recent suitors.

Boston and Houston likely would have to offer an established NBA player or two, given that neither team owns a first-round pick. New York has the eighth pick and likely would want to move up for the opportunity to take [Spanish point guard} Ricky Rubio.

The draft is June 25, and there have been conflicting reports as to whether Rubio, an 18-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Pete Maravich, is interested in playing for Memphis, which is projected to take him with the second pick.

Like we said ... vague. But it is worth noting that the Memphis general manager is Chris Wallace, who had an up-and-down tenure during 10 seasons in the Celtics' front office, including a stint as GM, and he's not shy about making trades.

Celtics legend Sam Jones welcomed the Larry O’Brien Trophy to The Finals in Orlando via Southwest Airlines at Orlando International Airport today. Following the trophy’s arrival, Southwest customers, fans, and media interacted with the 10-time NBA champion.

“I never remembered anything like that when I played,” Jones, a Hall of Famer who will be attending Game 3, said to the Globe. “There were a lot of people there.”

The Celtics announced today that guard Tony Allen underwent successful arthroscopic right ankle surgery and posterior tibial tendon repair today at the New England Baptist Hospital. Full recovery is expected with return by training camp this fall.

ESPN.com reports Eddie Jordan is new Sixers coach. Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau was a candidate, but still has a shot at another job as he is slated to interview with the Kings on Saturday about their head coach opening in Las Vegas. If Thibodeau doesn't get Kings job, Celtics president Danny Ainge has said the free agent will have a contract offer awaiting him to return to Boston.

New York, N.Y. – The Boston Celtics were honored as the 2009 Professional Sports Team of the Year by the SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily. The award was presented live at a special ceremony held Thursday, May 28th at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan.

The Celtics were recognized as part of the Sports Business Awards program, presented by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, the two leading publications on the business of sports. The Sports Business Awards recognize excellence and outstanding achievement in the sports industry for 2008.

The Celtics were chosen from five nominees for Professional Sports Team of the Year including, in alphabetical order, the Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Playing to 100 percent capacity at the 18,624-seat TD Banknorth Garden, the Boston Celtics set a record for attendance. The team also doubled its full-season ticket base to more than 10,000 in one of the country’s most competitive sports markets. All of this, plus the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, culminated in a return to glory, and the Celtics’ 17th NBA championship. Awards were presented in 16 categories.

“With the success of the inaugural Sports Business Awards last year, we decided to expand our program and recognize even more excellence in sports business,” says Richard Weiss, publisher of the SportsBusiness Journal. “The winners and nominees being honored tonight represent those at the forefront of the sports industry.”

The winners, which were chosen from 67 nominees, included:

Lifetime Achievement – Peter Ueberroth

Sports Executive of the Year – Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics

Athletic Director of the Year – Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma

Professional Sports Team of the Year – Boston Celtics

Professional Sports League of the Year – National Basketball Association

Sports Event of the Year – Amp Energy NHL Winter Classic

Best in Sports Media – ESPN

Best in Sports Television – NBC Sports

Best in Digital Sports Media – ESPN Digital Media

Best in Talent Representation and Management – CAA Sports

Best in Corporate Consulting, Marketing and Client Services – IMG

Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services – IMG

Sports Event Marketing Firm of the Year – GMR Marketing

Sports Sponsor of the Year – Coca-Cola

Sports Facility of the Year – Lucas Oil Stadium

Best in Sports Technology – MLB Advanced Media for MLB At Bat

On today's episode of Globe 10.0, the Globe's Bob Ryan and Tony Massarotti ponder The Great What If:

What if the Celtics had been healthy this postseason ... would they have won a second straight NBA title??

"Have you seen anything in these playoffs that tell you that with Kevin Garnett abnd Leon Powe fully healthy the Celtics could not have won the whole thing again? I haven't," Ryan argues.

Massaortti isn't sure the Celtics, even if healthy, would have given the same matchup problems the Magic have in the Eastern Conference finals (which Orlando leads, 3 games to 1), but is nonetheless confident the Green would've had a great shot at taking down a Cleveland squad that is not looking so invincible anymore.

"If Cleveland was going to play like this could the Celtics have won the title?," Mazz asks. "Hell yeah they could have no doubt about it."

Both Ryan and Mazz agree that the Cavs' inability to stop Orlando's Dwight Howard is proving how well Celtics center Kendrick Perkins played in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

"I have an entirely new level of respect for how Kendrick Perkins defended Dwight Howard and what it takes to play defense against Howard, because Cleveland can't stop him," Mazz says.

Watch the clip, and have your say in the comments section and in the survey below.

The Celtics announced today that forward Kevin Garnett underwent right knee arthroscopy and removal of posterior knee bone spurs today at the New England Baptist Hospital. The surgery was performed by team physician Brian McKeon.

“After this successful surgery, Kevin can now begin to focus on rehabilitating his knee, returning to top physical shape, and fully preparing for the 2009-10 season,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. Garnett will be sidelined from basketball activity for 6-8 weeks.

The spurs in Garnett's knee were detected before the season but were not considered serious enough to warrant surgery. However, he came up limping late in the first half during a Feb. 19 game at Utah with a strained popliteus tendon in the same knee, and initially was sidelined until March 15.

After playing briefly in four games, he then was shut down by the Celtics, who were aiming to have him available for the playoffs. But the knee tendon didn't heal fast enough. A plan to ease Garnett back into the lineup during the final three games of the regular season was abandoned, and on April 16, following a workout in Waltham, he was declared out indefinitely. He did not play in the postseason.

The injury to the tendon, located deep inside the back of the knee, was unrelated to the bone spurs and will not be operated on.

Garnett appeared in 57 games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.11 steals, and 1.19 blocks in 31.1 minutes.

“I expect Kevin to return to active duty in full force and be that consummate two-way professional that he has shown all of us throughout his fantastic NBA career,” coach Doc Rivers said in a press release.

The Sacramento Bee reported today that the Kings will interview Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau for their head coach opening later this week at an undisclosed location. The defensive-minded coach has already interview with Philadelphia for its head coach opening. Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis is expected to interview for the Kings job soon, too, while ex-NBA coaches Eddie Jordan and Paul Westphal have already interviewed. Possibly delaying the Kings decision is the fact that Rambis isn't expected to interview until the Western Conference Finals end.

Philadelphia 76ers general manager Ed Stefanski said this morning that he had no timetable set for the hiring of his team’s next coach, a job that Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau interviewed for yesterday.

Stefanski released the following statement this morning:

"In the past week, I have completed interviews with six candidates, all of whom are exceptionally qualified, have an impressive knowledge of the game and are very well-respected within the basketball community.

"I truly appreciate that they took time out of their schedules to meet with me regarding this position. Along with my staff, we will continue our due diligence -- including further interviews, extensive research and in-depth background checks -- before a final selection is made.

"As I have said before, the qualities I am looking for in our next head coach include excellent communication and leadership skills, will stress the importance of accountability while also developing our players and will be a strong tactician.

"As such, due to the number of candidates still involved in the process, there is no timetable set for when this very important decision regarding the future direction of the franchise will be made."

Thibodeau is also scheduled to meet with the Sacramento Kings about their top job.

Thibodeau has built a reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. In 18 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, his teams have ranked among the top 10 in team defense 15 times. The Celtics were tops in the league this season in field goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game.

Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau interviewed today for the head coach job with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Thibodeau is also schedule to meet with the Sacramento Kings about their top job.

Thibodeau has built a reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. In 18 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, his teams have ranked among the top 10 in team defense 15 times. The Celtics were tops in the league this season in field goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game.

The Kings were granted permission by Celtics president Danny Ainge today to speak to assistant coach Tom Thibodeau about their head coach opening. The second-year assistant is also slated to interview with Philadelphia about its coach opening. It's uncertain when Thibodeau will interview for either job. Considering that Thibodeau is a free agent, the Kings asked for permission out of respect to Ainge and the Celtics.

Thibodeau has built a reputation as one of the best defensive coaches in the league. In 18 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, his teams have ranked among the top 10 in team defense 15 times. The Celtics were tops in the league this season in field goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game.

In today's episode of Globe 10.0, Bob Ryan and Tony Massarotti debate whether they'd prefer Kobe Bryant or LeBron James leading their team. Watch the clip, and have your say in the survey below.

Celtics president Danny Ainge told the Globe's Frank Dellapa tonight that forward Kevin Garnett would have surgery sometime next week on his knee.

Garnett missed 24 games and the postseason with a sprained right knee. The Celtics have said the All-Star would have right knee bone spur surgery that had been postponed previously in the hope that he could get healthy enough to play in the postseason. But with Boston being eliminated last Sunday, Garnett is now available to have knee surgery for the first time in his career.

Owner Wyc Grousbeck said today that he expected Garnett to be back at full strength next season, and coach Doc Rivers has said he didn't expect Garnett to be out long following the surgery.

Lots has been reported on the status of Glen (Big Baby) Davis, so here's the definitive truth: Davis is a restricted free agent, meaning the Celtics must extend him a qualifying offer by June 30. Once the Celtics do that -- and they will -- they will have the right to match any offer Davis receives from another team.

If the Celtics decline, they lose Davis with no compensation.

Given their current economic status, the Celtics cannot take the approach of signing Davis at all costs, especially given that Rajon Rondo is eligible for a contract extension this summer and that Ray Allen will be a free agent at the end of next year. The Celtics would like to stay below the estimated luxury tax threshold of $70 million if possible -- that is true next year as well as in 2010-11 -- which places limits on their ability to spend.

Next season, the Celtics already are projected to be over the threshold. For 2010-11 they already are approaching the projected cap number (some reports estimate it at $57.3 million for next year) with just four contracts: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins and Rondo. Though the Celtics will have some flexibility next summer, they will need much of that money to either re-sign Ray Allen or secure his replacement.

Never one to skirt the issue, Celtics vice president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has acknowledged that this summer will present the team difficult challenges. Those will continue into next summer, but the process starts now with Davis and, to a large degree, Rondo.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said today surgery is being considered for center Kendrick Perkins (left shoulder) and Paul Pierce (ankle bone spurs), but nothing has been finalized.

Rivers also confirmed no date has been set for Kevin Garnett's operation to remove bone spurs from his right knee.

Rivers told WEEI-AM radio this morning guard Ray Allen had a hamstring injury during the Celtics-Orlando Magic second-round playoff series.