Boston Celtics bringing back Chris Wilcox next season to add roster depth – NBA News
The Boston Celtics have reached an agreement with free agent centre Chris Wilcox, which will see the veteran returning to the Celtics for the next season. League sources have confirmed that Wilcox will return for the veteran’s
minimum contract of $1.35 million. Last year, he played for the Celtics for the mid level exception of $3 million.
Wilcox played 28 games for the Celtics last season before being sidelined for the rest of the season with a heart ailment discovered in March. He underwent heart surgery later that month, and just started basketball activities
a week ago. Wilcox averaged 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game for the Celtics last season, and provided the much needed front court depth to the Celtics. His return next season will help relieve pressure off Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce,
and allow them to rest during games.
Boston signed Wilcox just before the 2011-2012 regular season commenced, after the lockout was lifted. He was signed to the mid level exception. Wilcox started slow as he suffered from minor injuries but eventually proved to be
a force on the offensive and defensive glass.
Wilcox was waived by the Celtics to make room for Ryan Hollins, but was still kept with the team as they played in the playoffs. He was regularly spotted in the locker room of the Celtics during the playoffs, and would sit front
court during the Celtics playoff games, signalling that he never truly left the organization, just temporarily made room for Hollins. And as was expected, Wilcox is being brought back for next season.
Wilcox was the second person in the Celtics roster to suffer from heart ailment last season. Celtics forward Jeff Green was also diagnosed with heart problem and missed the whole 2011-2012 NBA season. However, both players are
recovering well from their ailments and are all set to return to the Celtics next season. The Celtics recently agreed to a contract with Jeff Green, who will be back in time for training camp.
Boston were able to retain most of their core for next season, with Ray Allen the only player leaving to join the Miami Heat. They signed Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry to a three year contract before Allen signed to the Heat.
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