The Celtics hit the 35-year-old free agent with a Big Three press on Thursday, showering him with everything from the camaraderie of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to the usual pitch about Celtics history.

``Oh yes, we heard about that,'' said Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland. ``He's well-aware of that. He (played at) North Carolina, so that kind of thing matters to him.''

Something else in the Celts' pitch, however, caught Wallace's ear.

``One thing I liked that Danny (Ainge, executive director of Basketball operations) said (Thursday) is that if they sign Rasheed, that won't stop him from adding further to the team, because they are committed to winning,'' Strickland said.

That's important, because nothing truly matters to Wallace beyond the best chance to win one, and maybe two, more rings. That's the reason he decided against retirement last month.

Strickland said he will start meeting with the rest of Wallace's pursuers next week, including Orlando, Dallas and San Antonio. He said that Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry has not made a call, though the Cavs could make a late appearance. They still have the necessary currency - a mid-level exception.

All are expected to offer that same $5.8 million slot to Wallace - the Celtics did Thursday - so money is unlikely to be the issue.

Neither will contract length. Wallace doesn't plan to play much longer.

``He could retire right now and be happy,'' Strickland said. ``But that's something we've already dealt with. He said, `I want to play more and go for another ring.' ''

With a healthy Garnett, the Celts can make as good an argument for that chance as any team in the league.

``That's one of the criteria,'' Strickland said. ``I had to call people from other teams (Thursday) to say thanks, but no, because they didn't offer the same chance.

``The goal is pursuit of a ring. Money is always important, and there are actually a couple of scenarios where he would be able to get above the mid-level through something like a sign-and-trade. But the probability of that happening is not high. There are some ways to sweeten the situation, but generally speaking it will be the same money from everyone.''

Though teams were under the impression Wallace would take his time with the decision, Strickland said yesterday the choice will be made once the interviews are completed.

And, according to Strickland, the Celtics left a great impression.

``I think it was important for one of the owners to be there,'' Strickland said of C's co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, who joined the Big Three, Ainge and coach Doc Rivers at Thursday's meeting. ``Sheed and his wife (Fatima) thought that was a very classy thing to do.

``Sheed obviously has a great relationship with KG, and he also has come to know Paul and Ray over the years. They did a very thorough job - a nice presentation. Rasheed and his wife got to sit back and take things in. I think it went very well.

``Give Danny and Boston credit. They called me about setting up a meeting at midnight (after Tuesday's deadline), but Rasheed didn't want that. But I think they showed us how serious they are.''

HERALD PULSE: What you think

YESTERDAY'S QUESTION: Do you think the C's should sign Rasheed Wallace?

Yes, they must keep up with the Cavs and Magic. -90%

No, he could disrupt their team chemistry. -10%