The Alien Rumors Begin

1/28/2008

The Alien Rumors Begin

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Celtics appear to be taking their time on Damon Stoudamire. At their current rate, the Celts may run out of time.

Having been bought out by the Memphis Grizzlies, the veteran point guard will clear waivers on Wednesday, which is a formality, as he has no contract to pick up.

According to league sources, the Celts are checking out other possibilities and it's believed they may have interest in another player, thought to be Sam Cassell of the Los Angeles Clippers. That matter would require time to work out, but the C's will have to move quickly on Stoudamire if they want him.

Aaron Goodwin, Stoudamire's representative, plans to have his client make a quick transition to his new club. Goodwin acknowledged his client has interest in the Celtics, as well as San Antonio, Phoenix, Toronto and Denver, but time is of the essence.

``We want to have him to be able to join his new team and be ready to go the following day,'' Goodwin said. ``This isn't about money or anything. Damon knows he's going to be getting the veteran minimum. He just wants a chance to play and an opportunity to go for a championship. That's all that's important to him at this point. The clubs we're talking about all afford him that opportunity, so we're confident he'll be in a good situation by Thursday.''

Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge had no comment, other than to say he likes his roster. But others insist the Celts are looking at the marketplace and would like some help or insurance at the point.