Celtics to sign former BC standout Williams for center depth

The Boston Celtics, seeking added depth for their frontcourt, were close to signing free-agent center Sean Williams this afternoon, according to unidentified sources with knowledge of the deal, cited by ESPN.com.

The Celtics on Thursday waived center Jermaine O'Neal, whose season ended after wrist surgery last month, providing the roster space for Williams.

Williams was expected to join the Celtics in Atlanta and be in uniform for tonight's game against the Hawks, according to unidentified sources cited by ESPN.com.

Williams was a standout player at Boston College but hasn't reached his potential in the NBA.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pounder was waived in March by the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 3.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 8.1 minutes in eight games with the Mavs but averaged 15.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 27 games for the Texas Legends, Dallas' D-League affiliate.

ESPN.com notes that Williams joins former Cleveland Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins as new big men brought in by the Celtics late in the season to replace O'Neal and Chris Wilcox to back up resurgent Kevin Garnett, who has played primarily center this season, and rookie surprise Greg Stiemsma.

Meantime, the Boston Herald reported that guard Rajon Rondo (back spasms), Mickael Pietrus (right knee swelling) and Ray Allen (right ankle swelling) didn't travel to Atlanta with the team on Thursday and weren't expected to be there for tonight's game.

The newspaper reported that Allen's injury, in particular, appears to have Celtics officials concerned because of how long it has bothered him. An MRI two weeks ago was negative, but Allen continues to struggle with the ankle.