Now we have our answer. That guy is Jeff Green.
But here's a secondary question that no one's asking — who will fill the equally vital "Sam Cassell role?"
Maybe we can answer that question too.
Many consider Posey, who signed with the Celtics in 2007 just weeks after Kevin Garnett arrived, to be the key role player driving the C's to Banner 17. He was the defender, the shooter and the team player that glued everything together. But to overstate Posey's role would be to neglect Cassell, who emerged in the winter of 2008 as a crucial third guard backing up Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Cassell was yet another veteran guy, alongside Posey, P.J. Brown and others, who helped the Celtics capture a championship in '08.
Could Carlos Arroyo be that guy now?
It would appear so. Arroyo arrived in Boston for his first practice on Tuesday afternoon, and one night later, he made his presence known in front of a sellout crowd at the TD Garden. His stat line in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers wasn't amazing — four points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 15 minutes — but Arroyo let the world know he was still a capable floor leader and an energetic player.
He's exactly what the Celtics need. He's smart, unselfish, hardworking, and dedicated to bringing another championship to Boston. Doc Rivers couldn't ask for anything better.
The C's have brought in a new backup guard every year of the Big Three era, right around this time. In 2008, it was Cassell; in '09 there was Stephon Marbury, and then last year at the trading deadline you saw Nate Robinson. Each guy attempted to be a versatile third guard, performing as both a distributor and a scorer. They had varying degrees of success.
Cassell was shaky at times, but he shaped up and helped the Celtics win a championship. Marbury tried to do too much, shooting the C's out of a couple games, and he ultimately failed. With Robinson, you could argue there were shades of Marbury there, too.
But Arroyo is the most selfless guy of the lot. He'll never try to perform beyond his role — he's far too modest for that. The former Heat point guard brings the C's nothing but hustle, smarts and hard work.
It takes more than a Big Three — or even a Big Four, for that matter — to win a title. You need role players that fit. Carlos Arroyo is one of those guys. You're about to see him prove it.
What do you think of Carlos Arroyo's potential with the Celtics? Share your thoughts below.
