Obviously, those deals were worth it in the short term, as the franchise captured its 17th championship in Allen and Garnett's first season. But the Celts still are reaping the rewards of those moves, evidenced by their courting of veteran free agent forward/center Rasheed Wallace.

After the Celtics lost to the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of this year's Eastern Conference semifinals, general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers targeted Wallace as the player that would most help the team return to title contention. A recruiting trip to Detroit last week featuring Paul Pierce, Garnett, Allen, Ainge, Rivers and owner Wyc Grousbeck convinced Wallace that signing with the C's was his best move.

``I was just expecting Danny, Doc and Wyc, but to see these three guys there showed a lot,'' Wallace said yesterday at an introductory press conference at the team's practice facility in Waltham. ``It showed me that they really wanted me to be a part of this team, and they opened their arms for me and my family to be a part of the Boston Celtics family.''

Wallace inked a three-year deal for the mid-level exception of $5.8 million on Wednesday, the first day free agents could sign. He said he chose the Celtics after looking at San Antonio, Orlando and Dallas because he felt they gave him the best chance to win another title.

``Their whole defensive scheme and team scheme - the bottom line is just to win,'' Wallace said. ``That pretty much swayed me to come over here.''

The 14-year veteran, who turns 35 in September, is expected to add much-needed depth to a Celtics frontcourt decimated by injuries during last season's playoffs.

``Obviously, we had depth issues last year because of injuries, but just bringing a guy like Rasheed expands the things we do on the court,'' Pierce said. ``I think it fits in the right piece of the puzzle. It's going to be an exciting year, and everybody knows what we're all about: winning the championship.''

A four-time All-Star, Wallace has been a starter throughout his career but has no problem coming off the bench here to support Garnett and center Kendrick Perkins.

``If Doc wants me to start, then I'll start,'' Wallace said. ``If Doc wants me to come off the bench, then that's fine, I'll come off the bench. Two minutes, 30 minutes, whatever - as long as I'm contributing to the team to get a `W.' That's my whole bottom line.''

Wallace showed a willingness to fill a role in his last 5 1/2 seasons in Detroit, where he was part of an ensemble cast that won the 2004 NBA championship.

The 6-foot-11, 230-pounder can use his length in the post and also can stretch defenses with his 3-point shooting ability.

Rivers is excited to employ such a versatile weapon next season. And he's also hoping Wallace was correct when he tabbed the C's as the team with the best chance to land him another championship ring.

``I hope he's right,'' Rivers said. ``I hope he's a great evaluator of talent and teams.''

- danduggan@bostonherald.com