Danny Ainge’s deals for Ray Allen and, subsequently, Kevin Garnett are what made the Celtics relevant again over the past three seasons. However, it’s been Ainge’s drafting prowess that has ultimately made that possible. Without Al Jefferson, taken with the 15th overall pick back in 2004, Boston isn’t able to swing the deal for K.G. Without Rajon Rondo, who was drafted 21st overall by Ainge in 2006, the Celtics wouldn’t have hung a banner three years ago and come within a quarter of doing so again this past season. Ainge’s track record has been impressive. There have been second-rounders such as Ryan Gomes, Leon Powe and Glen Davis, as well as late first-rounders that include Delonte West and Rondo. On Thursday night, Ainge and the Celtics brass will try and hit a home run with the No. 19 overall pick — if they don’t deal it away. The C’s needs are virtually endless, due to their age. In fact, Ainge could use just about

While everyone (rightfully so) focused on Kevin Garnett and how his surgically repaired knee would hold up against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the Celtics' season-opener, the most encouraging sight of the night was seeing Kendrick Perkins on the bench in crunch time. I’ve said it over and over. Perkins is an ideal backup center for a team that has realistic aspirations of winning the NBA championship. I know the Celtics won one a couple of years ago with Perk in the middle, but Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen each have two more years of wear and tear on their bodies — and the competition has significantly improved this time around. Doc Rivers wasted no time establishing the fact that his most formidable lineup with the game on the line consists of Garnett, Pierce and new addition Rasheed Wallace up front when he put Perkins on the bench with 4:13 remaining and the Celtics holding a 83-79 lead. The new look gives the C’s length and also ensures Boston

"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Glen Davis said while working out in Houston. "It’s still too early to tell. We’ve still got a long ways to go as far as negotiating with the Celtics." Davis’ stance hasn’t changed. On one hand, he has no issue remaining in Boston, the organization that gave him the chance to break into the league over the past two seasons. However, the former second-round pick also fully understands the financial aspect of this, his second contract, and also the opportunity to play a more significant role elsewhere. "I want to be where I’m wanted," Davis said. "I love Boston, but I also understand it’s a business. I’m going wherever someone wants to pay for my services." That may sound selfish, but you’ve got to understand that Davis didn’t exactly grow up with much in Baton Rouge, La. His mother has battled substance-abuse problems and he was taken

There are always those guys you despise when they walk into the building. They are rarely those that can’t play. Rasheed Wallace is one of those guys who gets booed no matter where he goes. It’s the ultimate compliment -- and part of the reason why Rasheed Wallace was a no-brainer for Danny Ainge and the Celtics. If Wallace was on the C’s this past postseason, opposing teams wouldn’t have been able to devote as much of their game plan to stopping Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Now there’s the potential of putting out a front-line of Wallace, Kevin Garnett and Pierce when necessary for the next two years. That matches up against anyone. I don’t care who it is. Sure, it’s an aging group. In fact, if the Celtics sign Grant Hill (as is expected) and Glen Davis signs elsewhere as a restricted free agent, six of the top eight players in the rotation will all be at least 31 years old when the 2009-10 campaign begins. The six