ALTHAM - Jim O'Brien celebrated his 50th birthday at the start of the Celtics' recent tour through the Western Conference. But it wasn't until almost the end of the trip that general manager Chris Wallace found a suitable gift.

There's nothing O'Brien appreciates more than a veteran who can play defense and score, usually in that order. So he couldn't wait to unwrap Tony Delk and try him out in the starting lineup. And it didn't hurt that the package came with a Kentucky bow.

Without question, O'Brien liked what he saw from Delk in 23 minutes as the starting shooting guard in the trip finale against Houston Saturday. Even though the Celtics lost the game, O'Brien came away convinced that with a few practice/cram sessions, Delk will be ready to assume a regular starting role. He will make his second start tonight against Milwaukee.