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Celtics may be interested in Pietrus

Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff December 22, 2011 08:19 PM

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By Gary Washburn, Globe staff

The Celtics released three players today to reduce their roster to 14, retaining one spot open for a potential impact player. That player may be former Orlando, Phoenix, and Golden State swingman Mickael Pietrus, who was bought out by the Suns Thursday night.

As soon as Pietrus clears waivers Saturday, the Celtics could make a bid to sign him to a minimum contract. The Celtics have long had interest in the Frenchman and have inquired about him in the past.

Pietrus was nearly traded to the Raptors but knee swelling caused the Raptors to nullify the trade. The 6-foot-6 inch Pietrus averaged 7.4 points in 38 games with the Suns after coming over from Orlando last season in the Jason Richardson deal.

Pietrus has started 346 of his 496 games, so he would be perfect in a reserve role for the Celtics. Doc Rivers said last night the Celtics were keeping an open roster spot in case a proven player was waived or released, and this may be their opportunity to add to the roster.

Pietrus was the 11th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft and has averaged 8.5 points and 43 percent shooting in eight seasons.