NBA Rumors: Mickael Pietrus and Boston Celtics Are a Perfect Match

The Boston Celtics would be foolish not to sign shooting guard Mickael Pietrus after he was waived by the Phoenix Suns earlier this week.

The 29-year-old will be a free agent on Saturday if no one claims him off waivers.

According to NECN.com, Pietrus is "leaning heavily" towards joining the Celtics as a free agent, which seems like a real possibility since his $5.5 million salary will probably prevent teams from picking him up off waivers.

If Pietrus does join the Celtics, he would immediately be the second-best bench player next to Marquis Daniels.

Pietrus is an athletic player who can defend top perimeter scorers and stretch the floor with good outside shooting.

With the Celtics losing Jeff Green for the season because of heart surgery, general manager Danny Ainge has to find some athletic wing players to give the team more depth.

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"Without Jeff Green, they really don't have an athletic wing player," said an NBA scout. "Sasha (Pavlovic) has some athleticism, but he's not in the same class as Pietrus. And Marquis (Daniels), he's a solid player, but you wouldn't consider him as an athletic wing guy."

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Pietrus has lots of playoff experience and even played in the NBA Finals back in 2009 with the Orlando Magic—he's not afraid of postseason pressure and is willing to take big shots.

Pietrus would allow the Celtics to give aging shooting guard Ray Allen enough rest during games to keep him fresh and healthy for the playoffs.

He also provides length and quickness, which gives opposing players problems when Pietrus is defending them. His defensive qualities would be a welcome addition to a Boston team that prides itself on defense winning them games.

Pietrus would give solid depth to a Boston bench beginning to take shape after the preseason. His ability to hit outside shots and defend the other team's best scorers would be a valuable addition to the Celtics.

He's never won an NBA title, and will be quite motivated to help the Celtics raise their 18th championship banner.

Mickael Pietrus is a perfect fit for the Celtics, who are a team that desperately needs more wing players.