Ainge: 'We need a different Rasheed'

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge joined The Big Show on Wednesday and talked about the injury to starting center Kendrick Perkins. The torn ACL and PCL ligaments in the right knee of Perkins will keep him out of Thursday's Game 7 vs. the Lakers. Ainge was asked about the injury and if the Celtics would be able to get quality play from the bench in place of Perkins.

"Yeah, obviously we'd like to have Perk healthy," said Ainge. "He's a big part of our team defense. But yeah, I do think that Glen Davis and Rasheed can carry the mail for us at the center position."

Ainge said that he didn't know for sure, but indicated that he thinks it will be Wallace starting in place of Perkins instead of Davis. Ainge said that Wallace will have to adjust to his new role for Game 7. 

"Yeah, we need him. It's a different role, playing a starters role and playing the role he's been playing off the bench for us in the playoffs is completely different," said Ainge. "We need a different Rasheed. Big Baby's minutes will be extended a little bit. They can't use the fouls and there is one less six-foul guy that we don't have. Obviously Shelden [Williams] and [Brian] Scalabrine will have to ready to go out there and play and contribute in some way if we do get into foul trouble."

Ainge also suggested that Scalabrine will be activated for Game 7, taking the spot of Perkins on the roster.

Ainge was also asked about the forearm from Ron Artest to Rajon Rondo in the third quarter of Game 6. Rondo needed stitches following the hit, for which no foul was called.

"I certainly do not think that was an accident," said Ainge of Artest. "He's good at that."

For more Celtics news check out the Green Street Blog and to hear the interview click on The Big Show audio on demand page.