The Celtics have struck a two-year deal for approximately $1 million with second-round pick (No. 56 overall) Brandon Hunter, which will bring the number of roster players signed for next season to 14. Hunter was impressive in the Reebok Pro Summer League, averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds.

''We have agreed to terms on a two-year deal,'' said director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, reached by phone yesterday. ''Brandon had a fantastic summer league and we think he has a chance to be an excellent NBA player. When we drafted him, the one thing that we lacked was rebounding, and he's proven in college and in the summer league that he can rebound.''

Though 6 feet 7 inches, Hunter was hard to miss on the boards, aggressively going after every loose ball and posting three straight double-doubles in summer league play. Hunter brings impressive credentials from Ohio University where he led the nation in rebounding as a senior (12.6 per game).

''It's a great opportunity for me,'' said Hunter by phone. ''Boston has a lot of history with winning. [The Celtics] just need that extra piece and I'm just happy to be a part of it. I wasn't expecting it because it's a business and you never know what's going to happen, but I was hoping for it. I was thinking, `It should happen.' I think I can help the team tremendously and I think I played up to my capabilities [in summer league].''