A little green can go a long way. Just ask Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace.
The newest Boston star has found himself at home here, where the locals have gladly welcomed one of the city’s longtime sports villains.
“It’s fun,” Wallace said. “It’s cool. Everyone here is treating me with open arms at the gas station, supermarket, restaurants, just walking down the street, like, ‘Hey, welcome to Boston.’”
The temperamental power forward has the fiery attitude that is so beloved in this town, and the Garden’s passionate fans have given Wallace loud receptions typically reserved for its homegrown stars.
It’s not like he hasn’t deserved it, though. Entering a weekend in which the Celtics (6-0) will host the Suns Friday before traveling to New Jersey Saturday, Wallace is fourth on the team with 11.2 points per game and fifth with 4.5 rebounds. He has knocked down 42.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Wallace has been an ideal sixth man, and his defense has helped the Celtics’ defense hold opponents to a league-low 81.5 points per game.
Doesn’t matter to him — as long as his teammates approve.
“When I’m on the court, I’m totally different than when I’m off of the court,” Wallace said.
“When I’m on the court, I’m at work. Yeah, I’m hustling and fussing and cussing, getting techs, this and that. But off of the court, I’m just an everyday dad.”
