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Moore signs, Scalabrine out

Posted by Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff  February 24, 2009 11:18 AM
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Mikki Moore, the free agent center who has been pursued by a handful of teams since he was waived by the Sacramento Kings Thursday, has signed with the Celtics, team president Danny Ainge has confirmed.

Contract terms were undisclosed, but he is expected to remain with the team for the rest of the season.

"He just provides energy and length, has really good hands, and played well in the playoffs in the past," Ainge said. "He was very excited to come to Boston. He was recruited by every contending playoff team. He really wanted to come [here]."

The Celtics, who have just 10 healthy bodies on the roster, could use the reinforcement at the moment. Further, Brian Scalabrine, who injured his neck during the Celtics' victory over the Nuggets last night, has been sent back to Boston for precautionary reasons. Ainge said Scalabrine does not have a concussion but is suffering from concussion-like symptoms. Scalabrine was sidelined with a concussion earlier this season.

Moore, who cleared waivers at 10 a.m., is flying from Sacramento to Los Angeles, where he is expected to catch up with the team late this morning (Pacific Standard Time). He will meet with the coaching staff and undergo his physical today, and should be at the shootaround tomorrow morning in preparation for tomorrow night's game vs. the Clippers.

The 33-year-old has averaged 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in his 11-year career. His best season was 2006-07, when he averaged 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the New Jersey Nets.

This season, the 7-footer averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Kings in 46 games.

In 15 career playoff games, the former Nebraska star has averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 54.5 percent from the field.

This will be Moore's second stint with the Celtics, though his first go-round was brief: He played three games with the Green in 2002-03.

Moore, who will wear No. 7, is generally regarded as a quick and willing defensive player who plays with a lot of enthusiasm, but who can sometimes be overpowered by bigger players. Offensively, he is limited, but he moves well without the ball and typically shoots a high percentage.

Chad Finn of the Globe staff contributed to this report.

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