Celtics Sign Mickael Pietrus to One-Year Deal

By KC Downey in Celtics, Featured ⋅ December 25, 2011 at 12:45am ⋅ Post a comment

Mickael Pietrus (Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire)

When Jeff Green went down for the season with an aortic aneurysm, he left a gaping hole on the wing for the Celtics. Then, Paul Pierce injured his heel. Uh oh…

Have no fear though, as Danny Ainge brought in veteran swingman Mickael Pietrus on Saturday, signing him to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum ($1.3 million) after he cleared waivers from Phoenix.

The 6’6″ Pietrus averaged 7.2 points in 57 games with the Magic and Suns last season.

“He would be a good addition for any team,” said Doc Rivers on Friday, before the C’s officially signed Pietrus. “He would be athletic, he would bring some toughness. He can guard 2′s and 3′s. He can stretch the floor. Whoever gets him, will be getting a heck of a player, if he’s healthy.”

Doc’s right: Pietrus, who began his career with the Warriors, is a sound defender that brings some veteran toughness. Offensively, Pietrus is a good three-point shooter and can also take the ball to the hole when necessary.

The 29-year-old has averaged 8.5 points per game over his 8-year career.