Doc talks Johnson, O'Neal

March, 16, 2012
3/16/12
4:26
PM ET

Two bits of news regarding the Celtics and the search for another big man:

* Rivers confirmed that the Celtics have interest in recently released Chris Johnson, who had two cups of coffee with the team last season (one in training camp; another on a 10-day contract in February) before being signed by the Blazers. "We thought about just signing him for [Saturday's game] because he had that sensational game there last year in Denver," Rivers joked about Johnson's rushed debut with Boston on the heels of the Kendrick Perkins trade. "We were just going to sign him and say, ‘Run like a gazelle again.’ No, we are [interested]. We’re looking at everybody. Chris is an absolute option, no doubt."

* Rivers also kept the door open just a crack that Jermaine O'Neal, sidelined for the past 11 games due to a let wrist ailment, could return to the team, but said he's letting O'Neal, his agent, and Danny Ainge sort everything out back home. As for his outlook on the situation: "If he comes back, he comes back; If he doesn’t, we’ve been pretty good."

Chris Forsberg

Celtics reporter, ESPNBoston.com

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

PODCASTS

Buster Olney, ESPN.com

ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney gives his thoughts on Mike Trout's cycle and compares Trout's production with Miguel Cabrera's. Olney also says Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of production is putting the Red Sox in a tough spot and explains why Cole Hamels' poor start isn't too much of a concern.

Terry Francona, Indians

Indians manager Terry Francona dishes on his return to baseball, joining Cleveland, Miguel Cabrera, his time with the Red Sox, MLB's usage of instant replay and more.

Adam Schefter, NFL

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter covers Rob Gronkowski's latest forearm surgery, the possibility of a new league schedule, Super Bowls L and LI, Charles Woodson and more.

Barry Melrose, NHL

ESPN NHL analyst Barry Melrose talks about big wins for the Bruins and Sharks on Thursday night and compares the end of Wayne Gretzky's career to the end of Michael Jordan's career.

Broussard And Virk On Another Gronkowski Surgery

Adnan Virk and Chris Broussard discuss another surgery on Rob Gronkowski's broken forearm and wonder if Gronkowski's inability to heal from this injury is a red flag for the rest of Gronkowski's career.

TEAM LEADERS

POINTS
Paul Pierce
PTS AST STL MIN
18.6 4.8 1.1 33.4
OTHER LEADERS
ReboundsK. Garnett 7.8
AssistsR. Rondo 11.1
StealsR. Rondo 1.8
BlocksK. Garnett 0.9