It's not easy finding a viable backup for Paul Pierce... but with each of the other Celtics' starters having very solid backups coming off the bench this year, the Celtics' second unit will be feared around the league. However, the small forward position is currently the one weak spot in Boston's bench, and could very well become a revolving door for various players as the season goes on. Captain Pierce is getting old, and he will not be able to soak up enough minutes over the course of the season for this hole in the second unit to be a non-issue, and that is why Marquis Daniels needs to step up and have a big year. With the extremely athletic and versatile Nate Robinson and Avery Bradley up top, and the powerhouse combo of Shaq and Big Baby down low, the C's bench may very well prove to be the best in the NBA this year. A big year from Daniels would be ideal for helping to complete them. When Daniels was first signed, I was pretty excited and thought he would make a good fit for the Celtics as a larger, stronger version of Rajon Rondo who could drive effectively to the hoop and help stretch out defenses. However, I was thoroughly disappointed with his play and apparent lack of effort last season, as he failed to ever make a good impression as a member of the C's, and quickly became one of the last guys that I wanted to see on the court. But with an increase in minutes this year due to the departure of Tony Allen, Daniels will have ample opportunity to improve his game and became part of a second unit that will be considered more dangerous than most, and even more so than some starting lineups in the East. The guy had moments of brilliance when he was on the Pacers, and I still want to believe that he could become a great part of this team if he just exerts his full effort, especially on defense, and does his best to not turn the ball over excessively on offense. If he does not improve, the Celtics need to keep him on a short leash and consider some other options.
I would not be surprised to see Boston pick up a new SF, whether it be through a trade or through free agency by early next season. If not, and if Daniels does not play the way they need him to, the C's may very well go to a SF by committee game plan when Pierce needs to take a breather. We may see SGs be rotated in and out such as Ray Allen and Von Wafer to chip in some quality minutes and jump shots while sacrificing some size, or maybe even going to a larger lineup by using three big men at a time to try to work the inside and dominate the boards. How they back up Pierce will largely depend on the skill set of the team they are playing against, and unless Daniels takes over the back up 3 spot, don't be surprised to even see the rookie Harangody get some minutes backing up Pierce as a decent shooting, very large small forwar
d. It's not ideal for the Celtics to ever be in a spot where their success is relying on Daniels, Wafer, or Harangody... but hopefully at least one of them will be able to back up The Truth well enough for the rest of the extremely talented bench to step in and do some damage to opposing benches while Boston's aging starters get some rest. The Celtics have the tools, the talent, and 9/10 solid players they need for a championship run next season... all they need now is for Marquis Daniels to step up and become a true Celtic, and the 10th and final piece to an outstanding lineup. 
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