Oct 15, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics center Darko Milicic (99) celebrates scoring during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Darko Milicic, as mentioned, missed last night’s game due to “family reasons.”  Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports broke the news via Twitter that these family reasons entail an ill mother at home in Europe.

Darko Milicic is doing the right thing.  But it has grave consequences for a Celtics team that was just outrebounded and outplayed on the interior by a poor Detroit Pistons team.

It leaves the team desperate for answers, and Kevin Garnett while capable of playing center, is not a center.  Fab Melo was optioned to the D-League.  Jason Collins is garbage.  Chris Wilcox is a power forward.  And Jared Sullinger is a rookie undersized for power forward, nevermind center.

So, where do the Celtics turn?  The only logical thing to do at this point is to make a trade, but the C’s have few tradeable contracts and big men are scarce.

We’ll look at some options in the upcoming days on Hardwood Houdini.

Could Rasheed Wallace have been the missing piece for a Celtics’ title this year? First, let the laughter clear the room. Now really analyze this thought. On paper what is the Celtics’ biggest weakness?

Even after the addition of Darko Milicic, who by all accounts has been impressive, the frontcourt still remains a question mark. Boston knows what they will get from Kevin Garnett. Brandon Bass had a career year last season. Jeff Green will help contribute at the four spot, but he has been most effective playing small forward.

After those three, things become cloudier. Jared Sullinger was strong in the first two preseason games setting fans expectations high, but he is still a rookie. Chris Wilcox is coming off heart surgery, and has been battling a back issue throughout training camp. Jason Collins’ career production of 3.8 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game doesn’t exactly exude confidence either.

Could Wallace have been the solution? He has been absent from the NBA the past two seasons, and is undeniably out of shape. He arguably (alright he definitely did) coasted through his last regular season with Boston. He’s been known as a questionable figure within the locker room, and commitment has never been his strong suit. So why even bother?

First, he’s a gamer. While he slacked off in the 2009-2010 regular season, he stepped it up in time for the playoffs, most notably with his Game 7 performance against the Lakers. Forced into a starting role with the Kendrick Perkins’ injury, Wallace played 36 minutes, giving the Celtics 11 points and 8 rebounds. Wallace could take the first two months of this season to work himself into game shape. When he’s ready, the Celtics could then slowly integrate him into the lineup on a regular basis.

Garnett and Wallace have a tremendous relationship dating back to 1995 when they were part of the same draft class. Wallace’s personality would seem to fit in perfectly with a team led by proud veterans. He’s the same guy who guaranteed a win in Game 2 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers. The Pistons of course won the game, on their way to an NBA title, and the media coined the term “guarensheed.”

Wallace was also known to carry around a replica WWE championship belt, and gave each of his teammates a belt. His addition would give the Celtics a Hall-of-Fame collection of trash talkers with himself, Garnett, Jason Terry, and Paul Pierce. He’s been through the playoff battles and his experience could prove valuable come May. He would also have the respect of those veterans, which is important on the floor during crunch time.

On the court Wallace is one of the most talented big men ever. Remember talent does not mean greatness or even production, but Wallace had all the skills to dominate a game, both offensively and defensively. His turn around bank shot off the backboard is just as unstoppable as Garnett’s turnaround fade away in the post. Defensively, Wallace’s communication rivals Garnett’s level. He can be heard from television barking out instructions to teammates, standing as the last line of defense.

He’s too old and washed up to play, he’d never stay healthy some may argue. He’s 38-years old, which is two years older than Garnett, and in his last season with Boston he played 79 games. In his final six NBA seasons, Wallace played a minimum of 66 games each year. After taking two years off, he won’t be at the same level, but wouldn’t it have been worth a shot to at least invite him to training camp.

Wallace may have left a sour taste with Boston fans and maybe even Danny Ainge, after his one-year stint. He has now signed with the New York Knicks making him the enemy. But if the Celtics had managed to capture that Game 7 against the Lakes, he’d forever be remembered as a Boston hero.

Would Wallace make a drastic impact for the Celtics? Maybe not, but who would you rather have backing Garnett up at center in a playoff series against the Heat this year. Milicic, Wilcox, Collins, or a four-time NBA all-star who was one of the leaders for an NBA champion Pistons’ squad.

As Wallace would say, “BALL DON’T LIE.”

Sep 29, 2012; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers stands on top of the logo during practice at the Celtics training facility. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

After practice in Waltham Doc Rivers spoke to the media, and with what some of the journalists reported, there are some intriguing ideas that the Celtics coaching staff is working on for this upcoming season. There is a possibility that we may see a different starting lineup every night, depending on who the opponent is. Rivers said they are working on three different lineups; Darko Milicic starts with Kevin Garnett in the front court; Jared Sullinger starts with Brandon Bass coming off the bench; having Jason Terry in the starting lineup.

If there was ever a year Doc Rivers could utilize the players he has to come up with different lineups, it’s this year with this current group. I highly doubt egos will get in the way, such as players who should start full-time coming off the bench. All these players are professionals and have bought into the system. But let’s take a look at the situation for a minute. Can an interchangeable lineup successfully work in the NBA and does this make the Celtics a more dangerous team?

Obviously the Celtics are a title contender, but they have a few teams to get by before reaching the Finals. Throughout a grueling 82 game season, what is the best way to keep your aging veterans healthy and fresh for the playoffs? Probably lowering minutes and having the bench players play more; this year Boston has a bench that can allow this to happen. Let’s consider possibilities of having an interchangeable lineup, and the effects it may have on the team and their opponents.

Darko Milicic and Kevin Garnett starting in the front court

Mar 30, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Darko Milicic (31) goes up for a shot past Chicago Bulls center Omer Asik (3) in the second half at Target Center. The Bulls won 108-91. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

Despite all the negativity surrounding him, having Milicic starting may actually be beneficial. When the Celtics take on a team like the Lakers, they’ll at least have a player to throw at Dwight Howard. In this lineup, Garnett will probably return to his natural position of power forward, and by doing this he can cover Pau Gasol. This lineup would be used when facing teams with size in the front court, and seeing that Boston has the option to go big, it could help them with their inferior rebounding ability.

This lineup could also be used when facing a team like the Miami Heat, or even Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami can’t field size at all and mostly rely upon speed and athleticism to dominate their opponents. With a Darko, Garnett lineup, the paint won’t be as easily accessible as it was in the Eastern Conference Finals. The entire Heat starting lineup thrive on the perimeter. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade drive to the basket, but you rarely seem them down in the post. Shane Battier and Mike Miller camp out on the three point line, which then leaves Chris Bosh, who on rare occasions builds up enough courage to get into the paint.

Size is the one advantage Boston has when facing Miami this season, and it would be a mistake if they don’t capitalize on that.

Jared Sullinger starts, Brandon Bass comes off the bench

July 17, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Cox Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

In my last article I had discussed this situation very thoroughly, and while I’d prefer Bass starting, having Sullinger in the starting lineup gives the Celtics the opportunity to have a smaller Big Three come off the bench: Jason Terry, Jeff Green and Brandon Bass.

A lineup with Sullinger starting is very similar to what we’ve seen in the past when the Celtics would start Glen Davis and Kevin Garnett in the front court. The only difference is that Sullinger is potentially going to be a better rebounder and scorer than Davis, and he will provide additional scoring for the starting unit.

Just like the starting lineup involving Darko Milicic, Doc Rivers has a great bench to work with due to switching up the lineups. In the seasons of 2009 to 2011, the Celtics didn’t have a bench that could either extend a lead or maintain one. This year, it may be a different story. Jeff Green and Jason Terry alone could supply 20-30 points, but then add Brandon Bass into the mix and now we’re talking about maybe half of Boston’s offensive contribution coming from the bench. As I look at it right now, the Celtics have the ingredients of being a very good team, and somehow they find themselves flying under the radar.

Jason Terry In the starting lineup

Apr 18, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates making a three point shot during the game against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

I’m not too surprised that this is being discussed. While it’s already been made clear that he’s going to be the sixth man, Terry is definitely going to have a starting role on the team, even if it’s a game or two here or there. Having Terry in the starting lineup is basically the same as if Ray Allen was still on the team. But Terry doesn’t mind coming off the bench if he has to.

I believe when Avery Bradley returns, Terry will go back to the sixth man role, and Courtney Lee will become a combo guard for the Celtics. Terry being the point guard takes away from what he does best, which is to hit outside jump shots. Terry can be used in both of the starting lineups mentioned above, but I don’t think we’d see him start versus the Heat or Lakers.

When Doc Rivers’ mind is at work, only good things can come out of it. If he’s as crafty with creating starting lineups as he is with out-of-bounds plays, this will all work out successfully. When lineups start being discussed, you know the NBA season is right around the corner. Twenty days from today is opening night, and that’s when all the mind games begin.