Allen: The Celtics need more than just 'Sheed

The Celtics went out and accomplished their first order of business this offseason, they came to terms with their number one free agent target, forward-center Rasheed Wallace, formerly of the Detroit Pistons.

Wallace gives them something they could've sorely used during the '09 playoffs - another experienced big man who can score from multiple angles and is long enough to be a factor on the defensive end. This would seem to solve their most pressing need heading into next season, but there is still more that the Celtics need to do, and to his credit, Danny Ainge has said there will be more moves.

Grant Hill is one player that Ainge is targeting, and the former Duke standout would seem to be a very nice fit, giving the Celtics a savvy veteran who can spell Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, can get his own shot, and fill up the stat sheet. Money could be an issue however, and with the Knicks and Suns able to offer more, Hill might choose to get more money over the chance for a championship ring. Hill isn't really a three point shooter, which could be a factor in how well he fits into the Celtics scheme, though the last two seasons in Phoenix have resulted in two of Hill's most prolific years behind the line, as he made 24 last season and 33 the year before. Hill played (though that might be too strong a word given how often he was hurt) for Celtics coach Doc Rivers when both were in Orlando, and the two have a good relationship and are neighbors down in Florida, but that might not be enough to sway Hill to the Celtics.

I would think that since Hill enjoyed much postseason success at Duke, and has never won a playoff series in the NBA, that he might be interested in getting that particular monkey off his back, but perhaps not. There are also reports that Hill's wife prefers New York so that she can try out for musicals and plays there. Right. I know. Sounds like she'd fit right in with Mrs Teixeira.

Other possible targets could include Marquis Daniels of the Pacers, a 6-6 guard who averaged 13.2 points per game last season or Matt Barnes a 6-7 forward who averaged 10.2 points as Hill's teammate in Phoenix. Another named tossed around is Dahntay Jones, who was drafted by the Celtics in 2003 and was in camp in 2007, but who made a name for himself by tripping up Kobe Bryant in the playoffs this season while playing for Denver. Without signing someone from the outside, the main reserves at the 2-3 spots look to be Tony Allen, who should never see the court for the Celtics again, or second year players Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens. I'd like to see Walker get a chance to develop, but would also like to see some veteran help for the bench.

The final area is point guard. Right now you've got Eddie House (not really a point guard) and Gabe Pruitt behind Rajon Rondo on the depth chart. I wouldn't have minded seeing Stephon Marbury with a full camp getting a shot at the role, but it seems he and the Celtics couldn't agree on money. A name that comes up is Tyronn Lue. I have no idea why. I've never liked his game, but I think he's another favorite of Doc. A true veteran point guard would be a welcome addition, but I'm not so sure about Lue. The options at the veteran's minimum however, might leave the team with little to choose from.

In the frontcourt, I could see Robert Swift sticking, especially if Big Baby Davis signs elsewhere. Swift is a player that Ainge has always been associated with, and his presence on the Celtics summer league roster would seem to confirm Ainge's fondness for the big man.

Here's how the roster currently shakes out:

C - Perkins, Wallace
PF - Garnett, Wallace, Scalabrine
SF - Pierce, Walker, Giddens
SG - R. Allen, House, T. Allen
PG - Rondo, Pruitt, Hudson

That leaves a possible two more roster spots. Grant Hill and the veteran point guard would make 15. I don't see Tony Allen, Walker and Giddens all making the club, so probably one of of them is out and Swift/Big Baby is in as the center spot is dangerously thin. Should the Celtics sign a veteran point guard, I could see Pruitt getting cut.

Adding Wallace was a big piece for the Celtics, but there is a long way to go between now and the start of the season. What additional moves are coming? I can't wait to find out.

Bruce Allen is the creator of Boston Sports Media Watch, which has recently been recognized by SI.com as one of the best non-corporate sports web site's on the Internet