Get to Know: Ronnie Brewer

If everything goes as expected and the Celtics re-sign Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the team will not be major players in free agency. However, there are holes to fill in around the Pierce-Allen-Kevin Garnett-Rajon Rondo nucleus if this team is to once again contend for a championship. The Celtics need to add depth to their front court and at the small forward and shooting guard positions. The hope here is that Danny Ainge will try and add a balance of veterans hoping to win a championship and younger players who can successfully contribute in Boston over the course of the new decade. As a way to get a feel for who the Celtics could add, the "Get to Know" feature will provide a brief profile of potential additions as well as how they might fit in with the team. The first profile is of Ronnie Brewer, who became a free agent late last night when the Grizzlies failed to offer him a contract. Ronnie Brewer, 6-7, Small Forward/Shooting Guard, 25-years-old Career Statistics: 10.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 52.1 FG% Player Profile: Brewer has made his bones during his four-year career as a defensive specialist on the perimeter. He is capable of covering point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. He is a decent offensive player in transition but his lack of shooting touch from the wing (23.4% from 3-point land in his career) makes him a liability in any half-court sets. Role with the Celtics: If he were to sign with Boston, Brewer would effectively replace Tony Allen, who is also a free agent. Allen gets points for being a Celtic veteran who has won one title with Boston and nearly won a second but Brewer is bigger, more athletic, and a more disciplined player than Allen. As Pierce and Ray Allen get older, having a disciplined defender to give them necessary rest is a huge asset and with Avery Bradley drafted to back-up Rajon Rondo at the point, Tony Allen's role as the emergency point guard is no longer useful. Verdict: Brewer would be an excellent signing by the Celtics.