Grant Long has a medical supplies business that more than fills his offseason time, but the itch is admittedly still there.

After playing for the Celtics for just over half a season, the 37-year-old power forward and veteran of 15 NBA seasons was told this summer to start investigating other options. In other words, it's been swell.

``I was looking forward to coming back,'' Long said this week from his home in Georgia. ``The guys were great. They have a no-lose attitude and I just think the world of coach (Jim) O'Brien.''

Unfortunately for Long - not to mention fellow free agents Mark Bryant and Bimbo Coles - the new numbers don't leave much space for last season's hired guns. With Tuesday's trade for forward Jumaine Jones and the signing of rookie forward Brandon Hunter to a two-year deal, the Celtics have 14 players under contract, with training camp two months away.

That doesn't even leave room for a player who, despite his short time as a Celtic, was valued as much for his classy locker room presence as for his game-time contributions.

``I had a great time,'' Long said. ``I only had one year with Boston and when I came home everyone was like, `Oh man, it was great to see you in a Celtics uniform.' There really is something special to being part of that organization.