Q: What do you think of the rumor of Stephon Marbury possibly going to Boston? Could he be the missing point guard for Boston (don't forget his connection with Kevin Garnett)?
— Harold Brown, Lake Worth, Fla.

A: On some levels, it makes sense. The culture and leadership in the Celtics' locker room is so solid that not even the Head Tattoo figures to tear things apart.

Yet while some would equate this to last season's signings of P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell, those were players brought in to fill definitive needs, roles each was prepared to accept. Neither was seeking more.

The question with Marbury is whether minimal minutes behind Rajon Rondo would be enough for a player attempting to resurrect his NBA profile. In fact, those minutes also could come behind Eddie House on nights the Celtics are looking for 3-point spacing.

The Celtics are saying all the right things for now, but it is a move that needs to happen now, so there still would be time for a Plan B by the Feb. 19 trading deadline, or at least by the deadline for playoff eligibility.

A general manager told me he does not expect the Knicks to budge with Marbury until the trading deadline. Of course, there has been plenty of speculation already regarding Marbury, so it well could have happened by the time you read this.

Personally, it seems the Celtics have a greater need for height behind Kendrick Perkins. While Leon Powe and Glen Davis have put together several quality efforts, neither possesses the length Brown was able to offer during last season's playoffs.

Marbury might be intriguing, but he should not stand as the Celtics' primary target when it comes to a pre-playoff upgrade.

Q: What do you think about the Orlando Magic? Do they deserve mention as one of the good teams (mind you, not great yet)?
— Odell, Orlando

A: They deserve the mention, but there remain two factors of concern.

Foremost, in a tight playoff game, does Dwight Howard have enough of a post game to produce points when needed most, especially amid his shaky performances from the foul line?

Failing that, such late-game situations typically come down to the point guard.

So is Jameer Nelson good enough?

While Nelson certainly has been at the top of his game this season, it would be a stretch to consider him a top-tier point guard. At least not yet. At least not until he proves good enough to get his team past the Pistons.

The complementary components are there for the Magic, but in tight, make-or-lose situations, you're still riding the post play of Howard and the decision-making of Nelson.

Add a score-off-the-dribble presence, then you'll be talking true contention.

Q: What do you think of Carlos Boozer saying he's going to opt-out from the Utah Jazz, even though he's now having surgery?
— Bruce, Utah

A: If I'm the Jazz, I say thanks and then I call Paul Millsap and see what it is going to take to resolve his free agency this summer.

Yes, Boozer has been 20-10 good during the best of times with the Jazz. But there also have been plenty of times on the injured list, where those stats don't do a whole heck of a lot of good.

Millsap, by contrast, has been quietly consistent, with nary a peep about his upcoming free agency. Oh, and he plays defense, too.

Special feature Free agent class of 2010 A look at the many superstars that will be hitting the free agent market. NBCSports.com

While you never want to lose a player for nothing, the Jazz are uniquely positioned to endure without Boozer, especially with Andrei Kirilenko therefore to find more time at his preferred post positions.

The Jazz have become Deron Williams' team. Everyone else is merely a supporting player.

If Boozer can't get his contract off his mind, then out-of-sight, out-of-mind might just prove to be the easiest resolution for Utah.

Q: Ira, what is your take on the Pacers and Jamaal Tinsley? Is there any chance at all that any team will want him?
— Steve, Indianapolis

A: Oh, I think several would, but not under the terms of his current contract.

With two additional seasons at $15 million total, and the second one taking his deal past the 2010 Summer of Free Agency, Tinsley is as much a pariah for his contract as his perceived attitude.

Yet unlike Stephon Marbury, or even others who have received buyouts, such as Antoine Walker, we've heard surprisingly little from Tinsley. It makes one wonder how much he truly wants to play.

If getting back into the league is the priority, then a buyout has to be a priority. If sitting back and collecting an easy check is the preference, then figure on the status quo for another season. Or even two.

At this point, even a contender would have to be concerned about Tinsley's game shape and how much he could offer at this point if acquired.

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