Mickael Pietrus is the newest member of the Boston Celtics. The 29-year-old swingman, released last week by the Phoenix Suns, signed a one-year contract just minutes after clearing waivers, according to Boston.com. He announced his decision on Twitter:
Mickael Pietrus Signs With Celtics, Won’t Play Christmas Day
I have decided to be part of The Boston Celtics Family.
— Mickael Pietrus (@MickaelPietrus) December 24, 2011
Pietrus won’t play in the season opener on Sunday but is expected to join his teammates Tuesday in Miami after taking a physical on Monday. He will earn the veteran’s minimum in Boston in addition to the guaranteed $5.3 million owed by the Suns.
For a while it looked like the Suns might trade Pietrus to another team in the Atlantic Division, but a deal with the Toronto Raptors fell through due to concerns about his knee, which was surgically-repaired in July.
“We are very excited to be able to add Mickael to our team,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge in a statement released by the team. “His skills as a perimeter defender and an outside shooter provide great versatility to the roster.”
Pietrus is a nice addition for the Celtics, especially following the unexpected loss of Jeff Green for the season. Even though his knee may be a concern -- he missed the final 12 games of the 2010-11 season before undergoing surgery in July -- he’s worth the risk given the minimal investment. The Raptors, on the other hand, would have been on the hook for his entire salary.
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