Celtics invite 4 to training camp

By Gary Washburn, Globe staff

The Celtics are looking for young big men to bolster their thin roster and have invited four free agents to training camp, three of those are centers who could potentially make the squad.

In addition to former Pitt swing man Gilbert Brown, the Celtics have invited ex-Georgetown center Michael Sweetney, former Wisconsin and current Sioux Falls (NBADL) big man Greg Stiemsma and NBA journeyman Jamal Sampson to training camp that begins to tomorrow in Waltham, according to a club source.

Sweetney is a former lottery pick whose career has been derailed by injuries and weight issues but he did participate in Celtics' camp two years ago and was told that he was an NBA-caliber player that needed to get into better shape. Sweetney could have a shot at a roster spot depending on his condition.

Stiemsma, at 6-feet-11 inches, 260 pounds, is averaging 9 points and 10.8 rebounds in four games for the Skyforce. He has played in Turkey and South Korea before returning to the Skyforce this season.

Sampson, 28, has played in 72 NBA games but has been out of the league since 2007. He is averaging 14 points and 15 rebounds in two games with the Texas Legends of the NBDL. He was the 47th overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2002 NBA Draft.

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