Now that Michael Olowokandi has returned as a free agent on a nonguaranteed contract, and is essentially competing for the Celtics? third-string center spot behind Theo Ratliff and Kendrick Perkins, he appears to be trying to make the most of his opportunity.

?I like what I?ve seen,? said Paul Pierce. ?He?s come back with a better attitude. You can see it in his body language. For some guys, the worry that your career could be over can be a great motivation.?

Looking over at Olowokandi later, Pierce added, ?He?s a man on a mission.?

Olowokandi seemed to disagree with the ?man on a mission? comment.

?I don?t know about being on a mission,? he said. ?But I?m doing this for a different reason, to prove to myself that I can overcome this injury battle that I?ve had for the last four years.?