Rasheed Wallace Still Unsure of Retirement Plans

By Parvez Fatteh, Founder of http://sportingummah.com, sports@muslimobserver.com

Boston Celtics center Rasheed Wallace had originally planned to retire from professional basketball after his Celtics were defeated in Game 7 of the NBA Finals by the Los Angeles Lakers last month. But two occurrences seemed to put some doubt into the situation. First, Boston head coach Doc Rivers officially declared that he would be returning to coach the Celtics next season. Then, Boston reportedly reached a verbal agreement with star forward Paul Pierce on a four-year contract to return as well. As a result, by this past Saturday, NBA reporter David Aldridge indicated that there was a “possibility” that veteran forward Rasheed Wallace could re-think his decision to retire after 15 NBA seasons, after he had previously appeared to have made the decision final.

With that in mind, the Celtics have reportedly been exploring options for trading Wallace with two years and $13 million (including $6.32 million next season) remaining on his deal. By moving his contract to another team, the Celtics would get the savings from Wallace’s salary cap number, in exchange for assets. Supposedly one of the assets that they are pursuing is shooting guard J.J. Redick of the Orlando Magic. But obviously, if Wallace decides to play next season, the other team would not get the money off of its salary cap.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers has now even stated publicly that Wallace is assisting the team by the delaying of the filing of retirement papers. “He’s trying to help us out by waiting, which is good,’’ Rivers told Fanhouse, “He’s still our property so we can use that in a trade or something. He’s doing a great thing for us.” Rivers said the chances are “very little or none’’ the forward will play next season. Boston general manager Danny Ainge also backed that up by saying, “as far as I know Wallace will retire.” He also thanked Wallace for his assistance, saying, “We’re hoping that will happen. A piece (for the team to use in a possible deal).’’

So it would appear that Rasheed Abdul Wallace’s illustrious 15 year NBA career is over. He can now spend more time with his wife Fatima and their 4 children. He can also tend further to the Rasheed A. Wallace foundation, which holds annual coat and food drives in Philadelphia, Portland, and Detroit. Congratulations, brother Rasheed, on a fine career.

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