But the decision obviously wasn't Rivers' to make.

The Celtics , strapped for roster space as they delve into the free agent market, have decided to part ways with Powe. That, at least, was the impression given the Celtics forward following a conversation with Danny Ainge on Tuesday.

Powe, recovering from his third knee surgery, did not receive a qualifying offer from the Celtics by the Tuesday night deadline. As a result, Powe became an unrestricted free agent. Five teams reportedly called with interest in the power forward after midnight, including Miami, Memphis and Orlando.

``Of course I was disappointed, because I want to come back,'' he said yesterday. ``I love the fans. It was just a wonderful place to play.''

Powe walked away from his conversation believing his time as a Celtic was finished. Asked whether he got the sense the Celtics might be interested in re-signing him later this summer, Powe said, ``I wasn't feeling a vibe like that. I knew they wouldn't (extend a qualifying offer), so I just have to move on.

``They told me, `Good luck with another team.' Doc told me that he wanted me there, and he would do whatever he could to make sure I came back, but Danny came to me yesterday saying that they only have a two-year window, and I would be taking up a roster spot for someone else.''

As a result Powe and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, were not surprised when the qualifying offer didn't come - but disappointment is another matter.

``I was disappointed, but I'm never surprised because it's a business,'' said Goodwin. ``I don't want people thinking that we're looking for sympathy, because Leon is going to play again. The Celtics are aware that he's ahead of schedule.''

Powe, who had been rehabbing in the Celtics' practice facility in Waltham, arrived in Los Angeles yesterday to continue his comeback. According to Goodwin, Powe has progressed so well that he might be able to return to action by December. Powe said doctors have put his window for a return closer to February.

Ainge said he would still be interested in signing Powe, though only after he recovers from knee surgery.

``We love Leon, and would consider having Leon back at any time, once he gets healthy,'' he said.

The Powe camp isn't exactly waiting.

``It felt good to get those calls from teams,'' said Powe. ``It was good to know that someone is willing to take a chance, because they know what a hard worker I am. I always believe in myself, though. My agent told me that this was just business. No hard feelings, though. I love playing for Boston.''

He'll love playing somewhere else, too.

``The fact that these teams didn't have to call right after midnight tells you something,'' said Goodwin. ``I found that to be a great testimonial to Leon Powe. That made his evening when those teams called. It's a great sign that people understand what he's all about. There's all kinds of people pulling for him. Good things happen to good people.

``I think people were surprised when the list came out and you could see that the Celtics didn't protect him. At the end of the day, I expected something different, but that's the state of pro sports nowadays.''

- mrmurphy@bostonherald.com