Their seven-game win streak notwithstanding, the Celtics still need a backup center.
It's not their only area of need, but it is the most glaring. Patrick O'Bryant hasn't shown any indications of filling the role, and as effective as Glen Davis has been throwing his short but weighty self against the NBA's biggest, he's no one's idea of a pure pivot player. ``I don't know if we'll get a player like that, but we're always looking,'' Doc Rivers said after yesterday's practice.
In the meantime, though, Davis' emergence as Kendrick Perkins' unlikely relief continues to gather steam. Most recently, his defense on Dwight Howard down the stretch of Thursday night's win in Orlando opened eyes. And he turned in similar solid efforts against Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming.
``I don't call him a backup 5 - he's just a backup big, and he's progressed to the point where he's figured out what he can do,'' Rivers said.
``He's playing within his limitations. Some players try to do more than they have the ability to do. But (Davis) has kept it very simple. He is a load down low. Yao probably handled him the best by deciding, `OK, I'll just shoot over him.' That worked because Baby didn't have the length to deal with that.''
But until - and if - the Celtics find additional length, at least they have a player who continues to thrive in the role.
Beyond the development of his jumper Davis has made use of another revelation - his low center of gravity can be troublesome for bigger post players.
``I feel I can guard anyone when I put my mind to it,'' he said. ``When I play guys like the Yaos, Shaqs and Dwights, I just try to use my body to my advantage.''
Celtics notes
Tony Allen, still recovering from a right ankle sprain, didn't practice yesterday, and has now missed nine games with the injury. The process of working back into game shape is starting to delay his return.
``I literally have zero idea of when that will be,'' Rivers said of the swingman's return. ``It'll take some time at this rate, though.'' . . .
Kevin Garnett was spotted for the first time in his new Eastern Conference All-Star uniform - a navy blue road uniform that he donned for an adidas photo shoot. . . .
After practice the C's met with a representative from the Players Association about sensible gun ownership. . . .
The Celtics have six back-to-back swings left this season. The good news? ``We've played 10 already,'' said Rivers. ``It's amazing that our team has already gone through that many this season.''
- mrmurphy@bostonherald.com
