It's only eight games into the 66-game 2011-12 NBA season for the Boston Celtics but they were due for some good news.
Already as a fan of the team, I can feel my excitement level for them declining with each poor effort and signs of aging. Getting Mickael Pietrus on the court isn't going to transform the C's from an Eastern Conference wannabe to a contender but at least it's a positive development.
Speaking to the local media for the first time today after practice, Pietrus declared himself ready to make his debut on Wednesday when the Celtics (4-4) host the defending champion Dallas Mavericks (4-5 with a game tomorrow in Detroit) at TD Garden.
Assuming he's healthy and at least a fair representation of himself, Pietrus should give an immediate lift to Boston's up and down second unit. Right now, Keyon Dooling is their only guy that can hit 3-pointers off the bench. Likewise, Marquis Daniels is the only decent defender with some size. Pietrus has the ability to do both of those things along with providing energy and athleticism.
Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to how he'll perform on his new team but at least it is something to look forward to regarding the Celtics. Otherwise, I can't see many other reasons to get our hopes up about this squad that currently appears destined for another early-round playoff exit.
The Mavs game is the start of four straight against four of the better teams in the NBA (Dallas, Chicago, Indiana and Oklahoma City). How the Celtics fare in those four contests should tell us plenty in terms of whether they will be a threat in the Eastern Conference or just battling for the fourth or fifth spot.
In other Celtics news today, Jeff Green had his heart surgery this morning and all reports say it went well.
"Surgery went well, he had surgery today -- they're saying it went great," Rivers said. "Obviously our thoughts, our prayers and every part of our being is with Jeff right now.
"The second news we want to hear is that he'll be able to play again. That would be terrific. I don't care if it's with us -- I want it to be with us -- [but] I just want him to. Really, at the end of the day, that's what we want."
Best wishes to Jeff, I hope to see him back on a basketball court soon, especially for the Celtics.
UPDATE 1/10: Doc said at practice today that Pietrus will play tomorrow while Daniels is expected to miss the game with flu-like symptoms.
UPDATE 1/11: Pietrus and Daniels will play while E'Twaun Moore will backup Rondo. On the other side, former Celtic Delonte West will start for the injured Jason Kidd.
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