(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

After long pursuits from Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, and some help and persuasion from the Celtics' big three, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace has committed to signing with the Boston Celtics on July 8 when free agents can officially sign.

Wallace will receive a two year deal (presumably the mid-level exception) worth around $5.8 million. After the meetings with all of the Celtics executives, Wallace turned down offers from other powerhouses Orlando and San Antonio for the green jersey.

The fourteen year veteran averaged twelve points a game last season, providing much of the leadership and skill in what was a very disappointing season in Detroit. Averaging just under ten rebounds per game in his entire career, the Celtics will be very happy to get the veteran leader off of the bench that they so desperately needed last year.

Without the likes of Leon Power, and maybe even Glen Davis, Wallace will likely fall into a rotation next year behind Garnett at forward and Perkins at center.

This move provides some much needed versatility from the bench for the Celtics, especially if they could eventually tie up their other highly touted free agent, Grant Hill.

With Wallace's fierce playing style and ability to shoot from outside range, he gives the Celtics another opportunity to win the title after an unfortunate injury plagued season only saw them to the second round of the playoffs.

From a strategic point of view, Wallace's athleticism and skill will set Allen and Pierce up for more shots, but allow young prodigy Rajon Rondo to drive more because of a long range threat.

Many have complained about the Celtics' need for a James Posey from '08, Wallace is most likely this man, only better. A signing of this nature finally puts the Celtics on the board in free agency, still competing with the acquisitions of Cleveland and Orlando, acquiring Shaq and Vince Carter, respectively.

Could this signing give the green team the upper hand in a very tight conference? It makes the Celtics the most experienced team, and a very skilled and deep team which is definitely needed in an ever changing league.

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