Now, in fairness, Murphy had not played since early January and there is a big difference from being “in shape” and being “in game shape.”

Let’s take a closer look at what Troy Murphy has brought to the Green Team thus far:

In 7 games played, Murphy is averaging 10.8 minutes, 2.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Considering the sample size, Murphy’s numbers are pretty respectable for a player who is essentially getting back into the swing of the NBA season. In the last 2 games, Murphy grabbed 5 rebounds in 9 minutes vs New Jersey and grabbed 7 in 17 vs Milwaukee. Any points he adds is a bonus since the team is loaded with scorers. Murphy’s value is at its highest when he is able to grab rebounds whilst stretching the floor creating defensive mismatches.

By comparison, Glen “Big Baby” Davis is having an excellent season likely on his way to winning the NBA’s 6th Man award. Davis is averaging 29 minutes, 11.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on the season. Troy Murphy is not far away from having this kind of impact for the Celtics. The rebounding is there and the points will likely follow as he get back into the swing of things. What was looking like a lost cause weeks ago is quickly turning into a formidable/respectable second unit for the Boston Celtics.

We all expect Troy Murphy to make an impact, however, his impact may not be something easily noticed from the box score. Keep in mind that every rebound he grabs, bucket he scores is a bucket scored and a rebound grabbed for the Celtics and not for the Miami Heat or any other NBA club.

What a whirlwind 48 hours here in the Boston area as we patiently waited (at least we thought we were being patient) for the Troy Murphy saga to play out. Murphy signing with the Boston Celtics seemed like a lock a few days ago. That was until reports of Murphy staying with the Golden State Warriors and then joining Mike Bibby in Miami began to run rampant on the interwebs.

Multiple outlets are now reporting that forward Troy Murphy will sign with the Boston Celtics as soon as he clears waivers, possibly as early as Wednesday.

Give credit to team president Danny Ainge, both Miami and Boston could basically only offer the prorated veterans minimum and Ainge was able to convince Troy Murphy that spending the next few months in Boston was more appealing than spending them in South Beach.

The question remains as to which Troy Murphy will report for duty in the next few days. Will we get the 2008-2009 (14.3 PPG, 11.8 RBG) version or the 2010-2011 out of shape to begin the season version that spent the majority of this year on the Island of Misfit Nets? Regardless, the impact is greater considering he did not sign with the Miami Heat. The Heat desperately need a big that can stretch the floor and are now left scrambling to address the deficiencies in their roster. A win-win for the Celtics if you are scoring at home.