Celtics final roster cuts might not be so painful

Officially, the fight for Boston's 15th roster spot is down to its final four - Von Wafer, Stephane Lasme, Mario West and rookie Keith "Tiny" Gallon who was signed by the Celtics on Tuesday.

But only Wafer and Lasme are viewed as serious contenders at this point for the lone roster spot.

"It's between a couple guys," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers said on Tuesday. "You can figure it out."

As tough as picking one over the other might be for the Celtics, there is a scenario out there in which the C's might be able to keep both players as well as West and Gallon.

A new rule implemented this season by the NBA's Development League allows D-League teams to add up to three players that are cut from their respective NBA parent club's prior to the opening day roster.

In other words, three of the four remaining players in Boston's camp with non-guaranteed contracts could conceivably play for the Celtics' D-League club, the Maine Red Claws.

However, there are a couple of potential snafus.

Those players would have to agree to sign a D-League contract, which is significantly less money than they would make with a minimum NBA salary, or overseas.

Also, D-League teams can only take a total of three players cut, and not three players from each of their parent clubs.

In addition to the Celtics, the Maine Red Claws are also the D-League affiliate for the Charlotte Bobcats.

If the Celtics really like the potential of all four players still in camp, one possible scenario would be to sign Von Wafer (he's already partially guaranteed $150,000), and have Lasme, West and Gallon sign a D-League contract with the Red Claws.