Can Danny?

So who's left out their for the Celtics?  The top free agents are likely out of our pay range so the Pietrus/Bell/Varejao's of the world won't be coming to Boston any time soon.  Even guys like Earl Boykins are probably looking for paydays bigger than we can offer. Then again, who knows?  After Ime Udoka settled for just 2 million over 2 years, maybe there are some bargains to be had.  Barring someone taking less to play alongside the new Big Three, here are the top options for the Celtics. (Note: Guys with checkered pasts like Ruben Patterson and Aundray Blatche aren't included because of  the Celtics' code of conduct)

1. Dikembe Mutombo, C: I would have thought he would have re-signed with the Rockets already.  Perhaps he's mulling retirement.  Still, I would keep in touch with Deke's agent to see if we couldn't swing a deal to bring the big man to Beantown for the year.

2. Gary Payton, PG: Payton might be the veteran backup that the Celtics need.  He doensn't have a ton left in the tank but there really aren't any affordable PG's out there and The Glove has shown that he is willing to come off the pine for a contender.

3. Devin Brown, SG: Brown would be an ideal backup.  A veteran swingman who can defend and score.  He had a solid season in New Orleans last year and should be able to help the keep Ray Allen and Paul Pierce rested. 

4. Alexander Johnson/Lawrence Roberts, PF/C: The Memphis Two are solid young players who could help fill the Celtics need for wide bodies down low.  Johnson might be the better option but both would be solid choices. The argument against them would be that they duplicate Leon Powe which may be true.  Personally, I would be willing to risk it for Johnson, who should find a home and be a pleasant surprise for a team this year.

5. Brian Skinner, PF/C: Skinner is a big man who can bang down low, defend, and has enough offensive skills to make teams pay for not guarding him.  Skinner is starting to get up their in age so he could be, because of his style of play, breaking down but if we're only looking for one year contracts, I'd have opted for him over Scot Pollard.

6. Derek Anderson, SG: Anderson is a solid backup guard who can probably survive some spot starts should Pierce or Allen get dinged up.  

7. Adonal Foyle, C: Can defend. Is a great guy.

8. Reggie Miller, SG: For one year? Why not?

9. Dwayne Jones, C: Jones is a servicable big man.  Sure he has no offense but all we really need is someone to rebound and defend.  I would have put Olowokandi here but I just don't think if the Kandi-man is all that interested in actually playing basketball.

10. Michael Sweetney, PF/C: Sweetney is basically a low post version of Big Baby.  While Davis is more of a SF in a big body (kind of a pudgy Anthony Mason), Sweetney is nothing but low post.  And while he's been a major bust so far in his career, he has shown enough flashes that he might be the perfect guy to let Clifford Ray get his mitts on. 

Honorable Mention: Dajuan Wagner, G: OK, this is a stretch but I've always liked Wagner and would love to see him comeback.  And with Ray Allen able to run the show, Wagner could be a great fit as a backup guard.  Granted, he's never shown the ability to do much more than Eddie House so it's likely a long shot.  Also, the last think the Celtics need is a backup with a history of major injury/illness issues. Ditto for Jay Williams.  Also, Noel Felix's summer league play earned him a training camp invite IMO.