DRAFT PICK:
Lester Hudson, G, 6-3, Tennessee-Martin (second round, No. 58 overall) -- Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in his junior and senior years. Set conference scoring record in senior year. Second in the nation (27.5 ppg) behind Stephen Curry. There have been comparisons to Eddie House, but the Celtics think he can handle the ball much better and, thus, play the point. They had him rated much higher than this spot. FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Celtics are making a strong bid for F Grant Hill but appear to be in a battle with the Suns and New York for his services.The team gave F Glen Davis the qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. The Celtics are now waiting for another club to sign Davis to an offer sheet.
PLAYER NEWS:
--F Leon Powe and the Celtics are currently going in different directions. The Celtics let Powe become an unrestricted free agent as he comes off knee surgery. If he doesn't receive an offer he likes, the Celtics will take a look at him as his rehab continues.
--G Eddie House exercised his option for $2.86 million to stay with the Celtics next season. His agent said he had outplayed the deal, but House wanted to stay in a situation where he's comfortable.
--C Robert Swift was on the Celtics' roster for summer league, finally completing a trip to the club that Danny Ainge wanted Swift on when he came out of high school for the draft. Alas, he did little with the summer squad to warrant much excitement on the Celtics' part.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Leon Powe (left ACL surgery) will continue to rehab with the Celtics unless they elect to let him be an unrestricted free agent.
--F Kevin Garnett (sore right knee) had successful surgery on his right knee on May 28. He is expected to be ready to play well before training camp.
