Celtics still missing vital pieces

According to sources, the Celtics are hoping the talk of Troy Murphy being available comes true. They are said to have interest also in Dan Gadzuric, Sasha Pavlovic and Jason Kapono.

The C’s, meanwhile, are trying to get their house in order after some reconstruction.

“Our team is still not whole,” said general manager Danny Ainge. “We started out great. We played great basketball with Shaq (O’Neal) in the middle. I think it’ll be easier for Shaq to return in a starting position, which I think he has earned with his play this year.”

Ainge reported that Jermaine O’Neal is getting closer to a return from left knee surgery.

“He’s feeling better and he’s more optimistic than he’s been all year,” Ainge said. “I just saw him working out and shooting jump shots. He looked good.”