Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff
The Boston Celtics didn’t add a point guard, but they did sign free agent center/forward P.J. Brown prior to tonight’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brown has not played all season, and he had contemplated retirement before making the decision to pursue a championship with the Celtics.
“There are rare moments and opportunities that come in this league when you have a chance to win a championship,” said Brown, who added the Celtics have come after him hard since the off-season. “I think this team gives me that chance.”
The 6-foot-11 239-pound 38-year-old played 72 games (49 starts) for the Chicago Bulls in 2006-07. He averaged 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while averaging 20.2 minutes per contest.
Brown has averaged 9.2 points and 7.8 rebounds over his 15-year NBA career. Since entering the NBA in 1993-94, he has played for the New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, and New Orleans Hornets as well as the Bulls.
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said the team looked at Brown before the season and considered adding him then, but Brown wasn’t sure what he wanted to do and the team couldn’t wait.
Rivers raved about Brown’s presence in the locker room. Brown has expressed a willingness to play whatever role the team needs him to play even if that means sitting on the bench and being a cheerleader, River said.
“If you can add character and class and stability to your locker room, if you can you should do it,” Rivers said of Brown’s addition.
Brown, who lives just outside of New Orleans, said a big turning point in his decision was when he was contacted by Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett during their trip to New Orleans for the All-Star weekend.
He also said he plans to be ready to practice as early as tomorrow, but he admits he is not in NBA shape. Brown said he has been working out and doing some track work while in semi-retirement.
Neither he nor Rivers offered a timetable for him being able to see game action.
Comments (1)
I don't like this pick up for the C's. We're allready deep inside. He'll just take minutes away from our young guys
Posted by Frankie | February 27, 2008 7:40 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 19:40