WALTHAMFor most of his career, Jason Terry has been a high-energy, instant-offense kind of player off the bench.
The Boston Celtics are still putting together their roster with player roles in a still to-be-determined mode, there's little doubt that the veteran guard will be looked upon to provide a similar impact.
Terry, the NBA's Sixth man of the Year, sees his role with the Celtics being whatever head coach Doc Rivers deems necessary in order for Boston to win.
His value becomes even greater with Avery Bradley having had surgery on both shoulders, and is unlikely to be healed in time for the start of training camp. That means there's a chance that the Jet will be taking off as a starter with the Celtics instead of as a reserve.
"If they need me to wash the uniforms or sweep the floor, whatever role Doc wants me to play, I'm here to do it at 100 percent and give my all," said Terry, whose contract with the Celtics has yet to be signed as Boston continues to explore a potential sign-and-trade with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. "That's what I've done my whole career; pretty much whatever it takes to win. Whatever puts us in the best position to win these games, a championship, I want."
Terry, known for his bubbly, upbeat demeanor, was all smiles when discussing the unexpected phone call he got from Rivers on the first day of free agency.
"He was the first to call me," Terry recalled. "Just excited about being a part of the Celtics organization, the franchise, the heritage, the tradition, just by putting that jersey on, what KG, Paul Pierce and (Rajon) Rondo have done in the present; just being part of that, and continue to carry that on."
Boston Celtics
Terry, who was a key part of the Dallas Mavericks' championship run in 2011, comes to Boston with similar aspirations.
"My competitive nature, my championship fire and desire and to win it again, is what's driving me," he said. "Watching the playoffs and seeing that they (the Celtics) were one game awayI automatically envisioned myself in a Celtic uniform. And God-willing, it happened and it will happen pretty soon. I'm very excited and looking forward to it."