NBA Free Agents 2011: Boston Celtics Will Need Mickael Pietrus

As ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported on Thursday, the Phoenix Suns have waived swingman Mickael Pietrus. Anybody who wants Pietrus is more than welcome to claim him.

Going once...going twice...

Sold to the Boston Celtics?

That's what it sounds like. I'll let David Aldridge of NBA.com explain:

Pietrus has his limitations, but the veteran would be a good pickup for the Celtics. At the absolute very least, he'll be another body to bring off the bench, and nobody has ever accused Pietrus of being unable to shoot.

So yeah, the Celtics could do worse.

They're also going to need Pietrus. Like, really need him.

As far as why the Celtics are going to need Pietrus, that's a question Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe can answer:

If so, the Celtics are going to be missing their leading scorer, and their small forward depth is going to be pretty thin. Against a team like the New York Knicks, that's a problem.

That's where a guy like Pietrus will come in handy. He's a guy the Celtics can plug in right away, and I wouldn't be surprised if he got significant minutes off the bench against the Knicks.

What the heck, right? Pietrus is a pretty good defender, and all he would have to do on the offensive side of the floor is stand around and wait for an open three-pointer. If he is open, Rajon Rondo will find him.

When Pierce is healthy, Pietrus can go back to the bench, where he will be reserved for sporadic cameo appearances.

Not a very exciting addition, I know, but certainly a necessary one.

Besides, it's not like there are better options out on the market at this point. With the start of the season looming, teams are all filled up and ready to go.