April 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) knocks the ball away from Houston Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

I would have to figure the Rockets would exercise this option on Chase Budinger, but if they don’t, Budinger could be a great piece on the Celtics.

Budinger is a very good shooter and above average athletically, able to fill lanes and finish at the hole.  He’d benefit immensely from playing with Rajon Rondo, who could find him for streaks to the basket and for lob passes, which Budinger finishes very well.  He’s also an above average defender, and Rivers will make him even better, because his foot speed is average, but he anticipates defenders well and makes up for any speed deficiencies with extra effort.

It may be wishful thinking to even talk of Budinger here, but really, he could end up being an option.  The Rockets have had a good look at Budinger, and if they aren’t pleased, the Celts could have a nice swingman in their laps, someone who can either back up Pierce or even start at shooting guard sometimes.  One may think that had the Rockets have planned to have kept Budinger, that they would have already signed him into an extension while they easily could have.