Ainge ‘looking for help’

The Celtics  fully expect they will be able to acquire a small forward who can help them. But there is a very good chance it won’t be by tomorrow’s trade deadline.

Finding the right deal has been difficult, so it may come down to seeing which players are bought out by their teams and trying to attract one who fits. But in that those players’ current teams are likely trying to move them by tomorrow to avoid having to pay them off, the Celts could be waiting and hoping.

It is interesting to note, however, that even while he’s trying to make something happen, the person in charge doesn’t believe the C’s will be sunk if nothing is consummated.

“I’m hoping we’ll be able to do something,” said director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, “but absolutely I think we can win with the team we have right now.”

“We still don’t know anything about Marquis, but I still like the team we have,” said Ainge. “We may need an extra body to get us through the rest of the regular season, and we’re definitely looking for a wing player.

“But Von (Wafer)’s been playing great and Delonte (West) is coming back. One of the best groups we had together in the preseason was Nate (Robinson), Delonte and Marquis, and I think Nate, Delonte and Von can play great, too. Those guys can be a formidable part of the bench. Von’s only an inch shorter than Marquis, and he’s been getting better and better.

“Then once you get to the playoffs, the rotation gets cut down. You’re not playing back-to-backs.

“But, again, we’re still looking for help.”

Among the places the Celtics have looked is Phoenix. Three sources confirmed the clubs spoke about three Suns wings — former Boston College star Jared Dudley, Grant Hill and Mickael Pietrus.