Celtics center Greg Stiemsma, who spent the last half of the season dealing with a foot injury that limited his minutes, his production and required him to wear a massive walking boot when not playing basketball, will head into free agency this summer. However, he made it no secret that he'd love to be back in Boston next season. (Boston Herald)
Stiemsma will be taking a wait-and see approach with everything this summer.
“Obviously, I have to do what’s best financially for me and my family. But at the same time, to come back to this system where I think I fit in pretty well, that will play a factor, too,” Stiemsma said. “The fans in Boston have been unbelievable. To come back to play for Doc (Rivers), hopefully we can make that work out. Boston is definitely my No. 1 choice.”
So you can put Stiemsma down as the third potential Celtics free agent to make it known that they want to return to the team next year. Both Brandon Bass and Mickael Pietrus have already expressed their desire to come back. Stiemsma proved himself this season as a big man who can be a force defensively in the paint and alter shots. This was something that the Celtics had lost when they traded Perk last year and were desperately searching for.
Yes, he was inconsistent. Yes, he was extremely foul-happy at times. But that was to be expected from a guy who hadn't played in an NBA game before this season. With Ryan Hollins as the only other true center on the roster and a weak free agent class this summer, the Celtics are going to need Stiemsma, regardless of what happpens to Kevin Garnett.
Besides, why wouldn't you want to re-sign the next Bill Russell?
Keep Him, need him, like him....
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