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 players -- Wallace, Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Hill and Eddie House -- will average nearly 34 years of age.

But you worry about the future later.

The C’s are playing for championships.

Concern yourself with hanging another banner -- and surely Wallace gives you a far greater chance at a title than Big Baby.

Look, you won’t find a bigger fan of Davis. I first saw him play after his sophomore year of high school and fell in love with him -- due to his agility and infectious teddy-bear demeanor.

But let’s face it. Davis will likely be no more than a role guy in the NBA. He’s an undersized big man who isn’t overly athletic and plays “below the rim.”

You can sign someone like him in a couple years. Ditto for Leon Powe, the hard-working rebounder who suffered yet another knee injury and won’t be re-signed (at least not yet, anyway).

Wallace isn’t just an insurance policy in case Garnett’s knee acts up again or Kendrick Perkins’ shoulder jars out of place.

He’s a guy who, when motivated, is still among the most skilled big men in the NBA -- even at age 34.

If the Celtics do close the deal and sign Hill, who will become the senior citizen of the group at 37 for the start of the season, there will be one need remaining in the quest to bolster the bench.

A backup point guard. (Is John Stockton still available? He’s only 47.)

But on a serious note, it’s unlikely Stephon Marbury will return due to the fact that Boston is financially hamstrung. However, Ainge will need to get a veteran floor leader who can handle pressure and allow Rondo not to always have to play extended minutes.

Whatever you want to say about Marbury, the bottom line is that few teams pressured him due to his ability to handle defensive pressure.

While we’re on the topic of Marbury, there was a line longer than that of the “American Idol” auditions ready to crucify Ainge for bringing in the selfish cancer midway through last season.

“He’s a chemistry killer,” was the most often description of Starbury.

But Marbury bought in to the program -- and Wallace will do the same.

While Garnett goes about it far differently, he’s a leader on par with Tom Brady -- and that’s part of the reason why Bill Belichick was able to roll the dice with Randy Moss.

Wallace will conform -- or else he’ll have to deal with Garnett.

At 34, Wallace is far more effective than Perkins. He’s capable of scoring on the perimeter with deep jumpers or in the paint with a smooth turnaround from either block, knows how to make his teammates better -- and also gives the Celtics more length and athleticism up front -- something sorely lacking with KG on the bench for the playoffs.

Who would you rather have taking a clutch jumper with the game on the line?  Wallace or Davis?

Don’t even bother answering that question.

There’s a reason why the C’s sent the heavy artillery -- Ainge, Doc Rivers, KG, Pierce, Allen and owner Wyc Grousbeck -- to court Wallace.

He can help them hang another banner.

Wallace has logged more than 5,000 postseason minutes. Who cares if he has a big mouth and is a walking technical?  No one talks more than KG -- and his constant yapping was clearly something missing as the C’s struggled in the postseason a few months ago.

The C’s can concern themselves with getting younger next year.

For now, they have the right idea. Worry about winning another championship.

The contenders all made moves.

Cleveland added Shaq, the Lakers brought in Ron Artest, San Antonio got Richard Jefferson and Orlando took a shot with Vince Carter.

The addition of Wallace?

Equally as important.

TOP 10 NBA TEAMS AS OF RIGHT NOW

1. Boston Celtics – Haven’t truly been dethroned as world champs since KG didn’t suit up for playoffs.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe, Pau and Ron Artest. That’s a tough trio to match.

3. San Antonio Spurs – A healthy Manu and the addition of Jefferson makes them a threat to win it all.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron and Shaq could be a terrifying duo.

5. Orlando Magic – They lost Hedo and Courtney Lee, but added Vince Carter. I’m not sure they improved.

6. Denver Nuggets – Still have Chauncey and ‘Melo -- along with Nene and Kenyon Martin. Still need to try and keep the Birdman.

7. Portland Trail Blazers – As these guys – Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden - get some experience, they’ll be scary.

8. Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose with another year under his belt and the return of Loul Deng. They will need to find someone to replace Ben Gordon’s scoring.

8. Atlanta Hawks – Similar to Portland. The Hawks just need experience -- and a point guard to replace Mike Bibby.

9. Utah Jazz – They aren’t in the upper echelon, but young point guard Deron Williams is a star and Carlos Boozer (in the final year of his contract) and Mehmet Okur are productive up front.

10. Washington Wizards – It’s all about if Gilbert Arenas’ health.

Jeff Goodman is a senior basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can be reached at goodmanonfox@aol.com.