Celtics Sign Turkish Center Semih Erden

The Celtics are targeting big men in free agency now that Rasheed Wallace has retired and Kendrick Perkins is injured. To that end, the Celtics signed 7-foot, 240-pound center Semih Erden on Monday.

Erden, 23, was selected by the Celtics with the 60th pick in the 2008 draft.

A native of Turkey, Erden started for Fenerbahce Ulker this past season when they won the Turkish League championship.

He averaged 8.2 points with 5.1 rebounds per game and shot 62.4 percent from the field in 42 Turkish League games.

The Celtics now have Erden, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Perkins and Glen Davis under contract for the 2010-11 season, leaving a few roster spots still open.