Jason Collins, Celtics Agree to 1-Year Deal

After Greg Stiemsma signed with the TWolves earlier today, the Celtics moved quickly to replace him with a defensive-minded backup. ESPN Boston reports that the Cs are set to ink 7-footer Jason Collins to a one-year, veteran minimum deal: “The Boston Celtics are set to sign veteran center Jason Collins to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal, according to league sources. With restricted free-agent center Greg Stiemsma prepared to sign an offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves — one the Celtics appear unable to match due to salary-cap constraints — Boston has moved quickly to add a legitimate 7-footer to their frontcourt rotation. The 33-year-old Collins, a veteran of 11 NBA seasons, gives Boston a defensive-minded big man who can give quality minutes off the bench. Collins’ offensive game is much-maligned and, for his career, he’s averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. In 30 regular-season games with the Hawks last season, he scored a mere 39 points, but was a pest against the Celtics in the teams’ first-round series because of his defense (and occasional offensive burst).”