Rivers: 'We could really use' Delfino

The Celtics' rumored interest in Carlos Delfino emerged a few weeks ago [1], but coach Doc Rivers told Argentinian website Olé [2] that while the C's have looked into signing the free agent swingman, they likely won't have enough money to lure him to Boston.

"We've looked, and I wish we had the money to add him," said Rivers. "We could really use him." Rivers praised Delfino's ability to strip the ball defensively (1.5 steals per game defensively this past season) and move it offensively (2.3 assists per night in 2011-12). "They've turned him into a shooter," added the Celtics coach, "but he can give you more."

The Bucks' rumored negotiations with Mickael Pietrus might signal the end for Delfino in Milwaukee, but a handful of other teams have reportedly expressed interest [3] in Delfino, so it's unlikely the C's -- who can only offer him the $1.15 million veteran minimum or $1.96 million bi-annual exception -- would win a bidding war.

The 29-year-old Delfino averaged 9.0 points (40.2 FG%, 36.0 3P%, 79.2 FT%) and 3.9 rebounds in 28.5 minutes a night over 54 games for the Bucks this past season. He required sports hernia surgery in May but has returned to average 15.2 points (50.0 FG%, 35.5 3P%, 45.5 FT%), 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game for his native Argentina in the Olympics this summer.

For more on the Celtics, visit weei.com/celtics [4].