It's official - Payton back with Celtics

[Kori Ellis]

Associated Press


Gary Payton returned to the Boston Celtics on Friday, one week after the Celtics sent him to the Atlanta Hawks in a trade for Antoine Walker.

Payton re-signed with the Celtics after the Hawks waived him and was on the court at the Celtics' practice facility in Waltham on Friday morning, team spokesman Jeff Twiss said.

Payton was traded to Atlanta with Tom Gugliotta, Michael Stewart and a first-round pick at the NBA trading deadline.

The deal brought Walker back to Boston, where he played seven seasons before being shipped out 1 ½ years ago. But it also left the Celtics without an experienced point guard.

Coach Doc Rivers has said Payton isn't likely to play until the Sunday game with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Payton's return to Boston was a markedly different scene from when he was initially dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason. Then, there were questions about whether he would report because Boston was so far from his West Coast home.

But Payton has proven to be a good addition, averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 assists, bonding with teammates and providing valuable leadership for the team's young guards.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

That sound you heard was my the Star's Editor-In-Chief cheering.

[redeye]

As long as he is not joining the suns or mavs is good news for me