Yesterday afternoon, the Celtics waived Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith, thus leaving an open spot on their once crowded roster. And when you take a look at what the Celtics have, and what they might need, the most glaring hole is at back-up point guard.
After Rajon Rondo, the closest thing the Celtics have to a true back up is Jason Terry or Avery Bradley (when healthy), but considering Terry's effectiveness off the ball, and the fact that Bradley will likely be starting alongside Rondo, neither fills that back-up role in the purest sense of the word. That's why many believe that that's where the Celtics will turn with their open spot. However, I wouldn't get your hopes up.
First of all, because a true back up point guard has never been a priority for the Big 3 (2.0) era Celtics. In that first season, they had Eddie House backing up Rondo, before later bringing on Sam Cassellwho was a point guard, but also 85 years old at the time. In year two, it was House, mixed in with a little Gabe Pruitt and eventually Stephon Marbury. In year three, it was House and Nate Robinson (hardly a pure PG). In year four, it was Robinson and Delonte West (a capable PG, but one who can't stay healthy and a tweener in his own right), and then Carlos Arroyo, who never saw the floor. Last year, it was Keyon Doolingagain, not a pure point guard.
Second of all, there's not much else available. Derek Fisher's probably going to sign with the Lakers (if anyone). Mike Bibby's useless. Leandro Barbosa probably won't play for the veteran minimum. Johnny Flynn is a train wreck.
Is there anyone out there who you'd want the C's to waste a spot on to fill the 10 or so minutes that Rondo won't be on the court, or do you think they'd be better off leaving that last spot open, rolling with what they have for now, and waiting to see who's bought out later in the season?
I'd go with option two, and won't be surprised if the Celtics do, too. Or if not, history and reality suggest that they won't use it on a back-up point guard.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine