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The Boston Celtics have signed shot-blocking specialist Jarvis Varnado, according to NBA.com.
Varnado played well in 10 games with the Sioux Falls SkyForce of the NBDL, which led to the Celtics taking him on as the 15th man on their roster. Varnado averaged 14.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and led the NBDL with 3.9 blocks per game. Varnado's strength has always been his defense, as he left Mississippi State as the NCAA's all-time leader in blocks before being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat.
Varnado will be an end of the bench option at a center position currently anchored by Jason Collins. Kevin Garnett sees plenty of time at the five spot due to the drop off in talent from the power forwards on the team (Garnett, Brandon Bass, Jared Sullinger) to the centers (Collins, Chris Wilcox, Fab Melo). Head coach Doc Rivers has leaned on a combination of Garnett, Bass and Sullinger for most of the season.