Not surprisingly, the Celtics have run more playmakers through the doors of their practice facility in Waltham over the last two weeks than have played for the team in the last two years.

It may not be their only need, but the position of point guard has certainly been identified by Danny Ainge and Co. as a major position of need. After leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals in 2002, Kenny Anderson was shipped to Seattle in the offseason for Vin Baker. Not only did Baker end up in alcohol rehab, the C's were forced to man the point with Tony Delk, a converted off guard, and JR Bremer, an undrafted free agent out of St. Bonaventure.

Now the challenge is to actually go out and find a bona fide 1-guard with either the 16th or 20th pick in Thursday night's NBA draft.

The point guard field may be the deepest in memory - with everything from pure playmakers to hot-scoring combo guys recording outstanding workouts - but it will also be the subject of a major run.

Consider the value of Reece Gaines, a 6-foot-6 guard from Louisville who can score and set up his teammates with equal flair. The Celtics love him, as do the Magic, which pick right in front of the locals at No. 15.