Don't expect Erden to be a star.

Semih Erden, the C’s 2008 draft pick, is close to signing a one-year deal with an option for a second season.

The deal would allow Erden, who will play on the Celtics’ summer league team that begins on Monday, to finally make the transition from the Turkish League to the NBA. (Boston Herald)

Erden’s agent and translator, Tolga Tugsavul, said, “(Erden) said he didn’t come two years ago because he was under contract (in Turkey). His only option was this year to come here.

“He preferred to come two years before. But it still is not late for him. He still is young. He said, ‘I am very happy to be here. I’m very comfortable right now.’ ”

Erden will sign a minimum contract, which comes out to $473,604 for a player with no NBA experience.

But money is not the issue.

“First of all, he lost a lot of money right now,” Tugsavul said. “He has a big contract in Europe, but he gave it up to play in the NBA.

“He really wants to come here and play, to get the opportunity.”

Danny Ainge said of Erden, among other things, “We’re just hoping he’s a player that we can develop into a contributing player.” That doesn’t exactly sound like a ringing endorsement.

But ringing endorsement or not, the Luke Harangody and Semih Erden eras are about to be upon us. Needless to say, it’s a hell of a time to be a Celtics fan.