Apr 5, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Shavlik Randolph (42) and Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson (13) battle for a rebound during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, the Boston Celtics signed a 6’11 center from the D-League named Greg Stiemsma who originally was brought in for depth purposes for Boston, but turned out to be a main rotational player throughout the season. This past February, the Celtics surprised once again when they acquired Shavlik Randolph after his season in China ended. Currently, Randolph has become a fan favorite in Boston and is well on his way to becoming part of Doc Rivers’ rotation come playoff time. But in the thick of things, is Shavlik Randolph a better player throughout the course of games and in crunch time?

Stiemsma was a great rebounder for Boston last season, and many fans believe he made a mistake by not re-signing with the Celtics in the offseason. But when it comes to offensive production, it could be argued that Randolph is a better contributor off the bench, one who can finish at the rim and clean up on the offensive boards. Stiemsma on the other hand, was sometimes reluctant to go back up off missed layups and would kick the ball out to the perimeter on occasion. It’s also debatable that Rajon Rondo made him better by setting him up on the post and was giving him great looks at the basket. Randolph hasn’t had the opportunity to play with Rondo, so it’s unknown whether he’d be even better with the star point guard on the floor.

Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Randolph scored a career high 16 points to go along with 7 rebounds. Not only was he scoring off of great passes by Boston’s guards, but he crashed the boards and finished with the put back layup. He has desire and a will to rebound, which is why he’s so effective, and probably the reason his contract was extended through next season.

What’s really amazing is that he only played 13 minutes. If Randolph didn’t get into foul trouble it’s possible that he could have had a better night, especially since no on on Cleveland could stop him.

Shavlik Randolph is fighting for playing time in the playoffs. Doc hasn’t given any indication that he’ll be in his rotation yet, but after the last few weeks he deserves it. Right now, he’s the Celtics best rebounder on both ends of the floor. When Kevin Garnett returns, it would be intriguing to see if Rivers plays both of them at the same time. Between Garnett and Randolph, the rebounding problem Boston has would diminish in an instant.

May 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) pulls down a rebound against Miami Heat small forward Shane Battier (31) during the first half in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

I speculated on the possibilities of a sign & trade involving center Greg Stiemsma.  The Timberwolves had expressed interest, and after amnestying center Darko Milicic, they appear to be on the verge of making a run at Celtics center Greg Stiemsma.

Stiemsma’s playing time was sporadic, but his ability to be a backup center in the NBA was never in question.  When the C’s needed some defense and rebounding off the bench, Stiemsma was able to provide such, and the Timberwolves are wise to recognize that.

“There is a great demand for players like Greg, big men who can block shots and defend,” his agent Mike Naiditch said. “But something changes everyday in the NBA. But it’s fair to say that Greg is in a very good place right now as far as having options.”

The terms of the likely contract?  Stiemsma would receive just under $2 Million a year by the bi-annual exception.  He’s definitely worth that, and as his agent cited, there is a great demand for players like Stiemsma.  As to why the Celtics don’t seem to realize that, a team in need of capable bigs, is beyond me.  Danny Ainge must feel they can do better.

Oh well; Celtics loss is the Timberwolves’ gain.

Apr 20, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry (31) reacts after making a three point shot during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Warriors 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Now that Kevin Garnett, Brandon Bass, and Chris Wilcox are officially signed, the Celtics can now turn to some other important free agency matters that the team still needs to address.

Jason Terry and Jeff Green have not been signed yet. For the past week or so it was rumored that the Celtics were looking to see if they could do a sign and trade with Dallas so that Boston wouldn’t have to use the mid-level exception on Terry. But according to a new report by Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Celtics will just sign Terry to the mid-level exception worth $5 million after not being able to strike a deal with the Mavericks.

There has been no word as to why Jeff Green hasn’t been officially signed yet, but there is some speculation that its just small, technical stuff like the fourth year of the contract, and whether it will be guaranteed or not, thats holding up the deal.

O.J Mayo Signs With the Mavericks

Well, we can cross Mayo’s name off our free agency wish list. Last night via Twitter, Mayo announced that he will be joining the Dallas Mavericks. I’m not exactly sure how Dallas pulled this off since they don’t have a lot of money to work with. In the end, it was best that the Celtics didn’t sign him, because Mayo has expressed a few times that he was not interested in going to Boston.

Greg Stiemsma Going To Minnesota?

May 14, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game two of the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

According to ESPN Minnesota, the Timberwolves are expected to sign restricted free agent Greg Stiemsma. Reports say the T-Wolves will make an offer that Boston can’t match, so they feel extremely confident in their chances of acquiring him.

I’m not shocked by this, seeing that Stiemsma is from Wisconsin and he wanted to be closer to family.

Celtics Interested In Darko Milicic

Yes, you’ve read that right. According to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Boston Celtics are front runners to land the 7 foot center. The Timberwolves will amnesty Milicic and teams can then bid for him, but it is unlikely that he’ll be picked up by any team with cap space. Once Milicic becomes a free agent, expect the Celtics to make a run for him. Why? I have no idea. But I guess you can never have too many centers.

Hardwood Houdini’s own Brett Roberts sees things quite differently, however, citing that the amnestied Milicic could make a great addition at the right price.

Courtney Lee

On the Courtney Lee front, its been relatively quiet. The Celtics can’t make any type of offer for him without making a trade. It has been reported that the Celtics will need a 3rd team involved to make a deal work, but so far there have been no takers.

The Toronto Raptors have been rumored to be a possible 3rd team, but there hasn’t been anything concrete as to what role they’d play in the deal.

Overview

Within two weeks, the Celtics have constructed a decent lineup and still have a few roster spots open. If Boston can’t find a good player in free agency, there is a summer league team full of capable players in Las Vegas.

Last season, Greg Steimsma proved that a D-League player can make it in the NBA. Its worth the shot to see if a player like Dionte Christmas can follow the same path.