Pro basketball

Celtics deal E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson to the Rockets

2012-07-19T19:00:00Z 2012-07-20T22:24:07Z Celtics deal E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson to the RocketsBy Al Hamnik al.hamnik@nwi.com, (219) 933-4154 nwitimes.com

There's just something about the Boston Celtics and region draft picks.

Midway through Luke Harangody's rookie season in 2010-11, Boston traded the former Andrean/Notre Dame star to Cleveland.

On Thursday, EC Central and Purdue grad E'Twaun Moore, another Celtics' second-round pick, was dealt to the Houston Rockets for free agent Courtney Lee.

Houston also acquired Boston's JaJuan Johnson (3.2 ppg.) and backup center Sean Williams (3.6 ppg.) in the deal. Both are 6-foot-10.

Moore and Johnson, teammates at Purdue, were rookies in 2011-12.

"Of course I want to play. Of course I'm not happy about not playing. Of course I'm a little angry," Moore told The Times last April. "But I'm still confident in my game, confident I can come in and hit the big shot when needed.

"You've just got to stay with it."

The 6-4 Moore appeared in only 38 regular-season games last season, averaging 2.9 points with a career-high 16 coming at Orlando on Jan. 26. He had five points in nine playoff games.

Indianapolis native Johnson, a first-round pick in 2011, was slow in his development and that reportedly bothered some team officials. The signings of Chris Wilcox and Jeff Green and drafting of Jared Sullinger made him expendable.

Williams appeared in 11 games last season, including three with the Celtics.

Lee, a guard/forward, averaged 11.4 points per game for Houston and joins a Boston team that recently added Jason Terry and is deep at the guard position.

"Really, E'Twaun's got guys ahead of him," coach Doc Rivers told The Times before a February game in Chicago. "Avery (Bradley) has played well. Keyon (Dooling) is back. (Rajon) Rondo is healthy. Mickael Pietrus has come in and played well.

"There's just not enough minutes at that spot."

Moore and his agent Mark Bartelstein could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Copyright 2013 nwitimes.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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