'Celtics Offseason Targets' is a new series of articles that will be running periodically from now until the offseason kicks off. We can all tell that the Celtics have not been perfect this season and there are definitely some pieces they should add. In today's edition, it is former-Boston College power forward Craig Smith

Quick, think of four teams that you as a Celtics fan fear playing? 

Do you have them? The first four that came to my mind were the Hawks, Lakers, Nuggets, and Cavaliers.

At least one time during the season, the Celtics were upset by one of these teams. All of them have players entering their prime whereas the Celtics have players breaking down. 

The Celtics need a player who can step up versus the top teams and bring a toughness. The Orlando Magic found a steal in Matt Barnes. Barnes got in Kobe Bryant's head when the Magic played the Lakers and it was a vital role for the Magic to beat the Lakers

The Celtics need a player who can bring the toughness and intensity like Barnes did against Bryant and that player could be Los Angeles Clippers power forward, Craig Smith.

Just look at his averages against the four teams listed above that the Celtics fans should fear.

• Smith vs. Atlanta Hawks: 14 points and four rebounds per game in two matchups.

• Smith vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in three matchups.

• Smith vs. Denver Nuggets: 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in three matchups.

• Smith vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 13.5 points and five rebounds per game in two matchups. 

This is impressive considering that Smith's total regular season averages were 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. This can be good and bad. Does Smith only step up for big games?

His per 36 minute averages of 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game would not suggest Smith does not care for unimportant teams. 

The main problem with Smith's career is his lack of opportunity. He needs to land on the right team to flourish and Boston would be the ideal home.

With Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace breaking down quickly, the Celtics need a Leon Powe 2.0. Many would argue that the Celtics should not sign Smith since they already have an undersized power forward in Glen Davis.

However, when you put their per 36 minute averages together, there are some differences between the two.

• Glen Davis' per 36 minute averages: 13.1 points, 8.1 rebounds (4.1 offensive rebounds), and 0.5 blocks per game

• Craig Smith's per 36 minute averages: 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds (2.9 offensive rebounds), and 0.8 blocks per game. 

Davis is a better offensive rebounder whereas Smith is more of a scorer. Both are capable of racking up a good deal of rebounds, but on different ends of the floor.

If the Celtics could find a way to incorporate the two similar to how they used Leon Powe and Glen Davis in 2008, the team could revive their old rebounding ways.  

The Celtics are currently 29th in the league in total rebounds per game with 38.6. An even worse statistic is their offensive rebounding rate which is last in the league at 8.7 rebounds per game.

With all of the signs of Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace breaking down, the Celtics need insurance and Smith would provide it. He has shown that when he gets the opportunity to play big minutes, he puts up big numbers. 

The numbers can speak for themselves but something that one cannot see on the stat sheet is Smith's sheer desire to work hard. Ever since his days at Boston College, we have seen Smith continually work hard to improve. 

Normally, seniors in college have the goal to lead their respective team in scoring. After being the leading scorer in his junior year for Boston College, Smith decided he would work on his passing and allow Jared Dudley to be the leading scorer.

Smith raised his previous average of 1.7 assists per game in his junior year to 3.0 assists per game in his senior year.

Smith's ability to fit into a role on any team is a rare quality and the Celtics need those types of players. Coach Doc Rivers always talks about the importance of chemistry on championship teams and although it is not a flashy move like the signing of Ron Artest or the trade for Antawn Jamison, this move would put Boston over the top.

Would you want Craig Smith to return to Boston? Could it put the Celtics over the top? Please comment below giving your opinions. Also, the most requested player will be featured in the next editions of Celtics Offseason Targets.