Justin

Reed

He averaged just six points and two rebounds for them last season and probably won’t have fantasy value this year either.

The second year isn’t guaranteed. The 6-foot-8 Reed averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season at Mississippi. He could spend much of the season on the injured list.

Reed will help back up Jiri Welsch at small forward.

Reed is the one who stands the best chance right now of being activated. Coach Doc Rivers has been talking about the need for a ``power-3,’' a small forward who can handle bigger opponents inside. That would seem to herald an opportunity for Reed, the second-round pick who has impressed. “We’re going to take a hard look at him, but that doesn’t mean he will be in uniform or won’t be,’' Rivers said. “He’s going to be a player in this league. I think he’s going to be a player in this league for a long time, not a cup of coffee player.’'

Reed, a 2004 second-round pick, should get a few minutes per game as a backup forward.

Reed played one minute in each of Boston’s two games since coming off the injured list on Tuesday.

Reed has scored six points in seven appearances this season.

Coach Doc Rivers wants Reed available for matchup purposes against the Suns, but the Celtics may then place Reed back on the IL tomorrow to activate Tom Gugliotta.

Reed, activated yesterday, went scoreless in three minutes against the Suns.