WALTHAM - The Celtics have totaled 128 wins in the last two regular seasons. And they could improve on that success if their free agent additions come through this year, according to president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
“I think we’re much better,’’ Ainge said, comparing the current Celtics to the 2007-08 version that won the championship. “The Lakers and Cleveland are getting better. And we’ve improved.’’
Ainge spoke yesterday after announcing the signings of forwards Glen Davis and Shelden Williams. Davis, 23, a restricted free agent, finalized a two-year deal worth $6.3 million, according to league source. Williams, 25, who received a one-year veteran’s minimum contract worth $855,189, and Rasheed Wallace are the Celtics’ unrestricted free agent signings. The next free agent expected to join the Celtics is guard Marquis Daniels, who has committed to the team and will receive the $1.9 million biannual exception contract, unless a sign- and-trade with Indiana can be completed.
“It’s important to surround the Big Three [Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce] and Rasheed Wallace with guys who are youthful and enthusiastic,’’ Ainge said. “We have a lot of veterans and we also have a lot of young guys.’’
Davis’s offseason was sometimes “frustrating’’ as he awaited offers. Davis accepted a salary somewhat lower than he expected at the start of free agency, in anticipation of becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of this contract.
“You have to realize, as much as the NBA is full of entertainment, it’s a business,’’ Davis said. “You’ve got to keep that in mind.
“It’s about becoming the best player I can be and developing into the player the Celtics want me to be and I want to be. I grew up so much this summer, in terms of being a professional and being an adult.’’
Other teams that expressed interest in Davis were discouraged by the Celtics’ intention to match most offer sheets.
“Glen found out there are other teams which like his game and respect his game and would love to have him as part of their team,’’ Ainge said. “There were a lot of teams that liked him on draft day. But we came through and drafted him and we came through now. He’s young and energetic and we want him to be part of our team for years to come.’’
Settling Davis’s situation could accelerate the addition of Daniels, since Davis had been named in possible sign-and-trades. Daniels will likely affect the roster spots for draft choice Lester Hudson and free agent Stephon Marbury.
Davis, who averaged 15.8 points last postseason, has been doing endurance and strength training in Houston, and working on improving his shooting range.
“It’s spreading the floor and giving my teammates more options,’’ Davis said. “Instead of 15-16 feet, 3-point range gives them another option out there. You’ve got to work on it. I’m going a little further, spreading it out. I’ve got stuff in my game people haven’t really seen yet.’’
Said Ainge: “In preseason last year [Davis] wasn’t thinking he was going to be starting and knocking down big shots. He came into his own in the second half of the season when he had the opportunity to play. He’s not afraid of the big moment in big games. He’s proven that, when he’s gotten opportunities to play, he can step up in big games and make big plays.’’
Williams participated in a predraft workout with the Celtics in 2006, when he was selected fifth overall by Atlanta. Williams started 31 games for the Hawks in his rookie season, but was relegated to a reserve role, and has been traded twice in the last two years.
“I still have that competitive drive,’’ Williams said. “This is a situation now, with a great organization, with great tradition, and I’m excited to be part of that.’’
Williams worked out recently for the Celtics and appeared to be in excellent condition, Ainge said.
“Shelden has proven he can defend and rebound,’’ Ainge said. “Offensively, he hasn’t come around as well, but it’s about getting the opportunity in this league.’’
Ainge said Garnett “is doing great’’ in his recovery from knee surgery. Celtics trainers have monitored Garnett’s progress in Malibu, Calif.
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