Powe Headed to Open Market

Powe headed to open market
By Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff | July 2, 2009

WALTHAM - Leon Powe will be testing the free agent market.

Powe, who tore a knee ligament in the first round of the playoffs, is not expected to play until February.

“They didn’t feel like waiting on me, and they decided not to pick up my option,’’ Powe said in a telephone interview from California. “I was planning on coming back, but I was told otherwise. So, I called my agent and we’re going to find another team.’’

Powe said he was surprised when Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge called.

“I thought they were going to take care of me with a long-term deal until I got back on my feet, at least give me an offer,’’ Powe said. “So, I was confused when [Ainge] called. But they just probably made a business decision. They said they had a lot of other problems. I always worked hard and I told Danny I always come back, from anything. But they didn’t feel like paying the money and waiting for me.’’

Powe, a restricted free agent, said he is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He will return to Boston for a medical checkup in August and could rejoin the Celtics.

“We love Leon, everyone in Boston is a big fan of Leon,’’ Ainge said. “He is one of the most pleasurable guys I’ve been around in pro sports. I’d love to see him get a chance with a team. We’re going to watch his progress.

“If he wants to come back, we’d love to have him back. I’m confident he will be the player he was before the injury. He is a dedicated person. But the reality of it is we don’t have any advantage with Leon anymore. A lot of teams will be checking on his status and see how Leon is turning out and will be anxious to give him an opportunity. We’ll certainly keep tabs on Leon and see how he’s coming along, if he hasn’t signed with another team.’’