31-year old Paul Pierce might just be the best player on this basketball team. He played in 81 games for the Celtics this season and he averaged 37.5 minutes, 20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Pierce is the guy the Celtics look to when they need someone to make the big shot. The Celtics signed 28-year old Marquis Daniels is the off-season and he will back up both Ray Allen at shooting guard and Paul Pierce at small forward. That job will likely give him at least 25 minutes a night as the Celtics have to start watching the minutes that both of those players (Allen and Pierce) get to keep them fresh and happy. Daniels played in 54 games for the Pacers last season and he averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Daniels took less money from the Celtics to try to play for a ring so he will be ready to play whenever Doc Rivers calls his number.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: A