Celtics Sign Mickael Pietrus
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Celtics received an early Christmas present, signing forward Mickael Pietrus Saturday night.
Pietrus, who was released by the Phoenix Suns earlier in the week, will help the Celtics replace Jeff Green, who is out for the season with a heart condition.
"We are very excited to be able to add Mickael to our team," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge in a release to announce the move. "His skills as a perimeter defender and an outside shooter provide great versatility to the roster."
Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A 6-6 swingman, Pietrus will give Boston a strong defender and solid shooter off the bench. An eight-year veteran, Pietrus has played for Golden State, Orlando and Phoenix averaging 8.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for his career.
He has shown moments of strong play in the postseason as well, especially against the Celtics. When the Celtics and Orlando Magic met up in the second round in 2009, Pietrus averaged 12.1 points while shooting 62.8 percent from the field and 34.4 percent behind the arc.
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It is unclear if he will be able to play in the NBA season opener Sunday against the Knicks in New York, and will likely make his Celtics debut Tuesday when Boston plays the Heat in Miami.
The deal was first reported by CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely.
