The Celtics could be interested in acquiring free agent Josh Howard whenever the NBA lockout ends, according to Gary Washburn. (Boston Globe)

A free agent who could be on the Celtics’ radar is former Wizard and Maverick Josh Howard, who is healthy after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in February 2010. Howard played in 18 games for the Wizards last season, averaging 8.4 points in 10 starts.

Look, there’s a lot wrong with Josh Howard. He’s washed up. Coming off an ACL tear. Hasn’t had a pulse in three years. Smokes a lot of weed. Despises the national anthem. I know Howard’s flaws. But the reality is, Howard could be a desirable target for the Celtics. Hear me out.

A) He’ll come cheap. The Celtics want to keep as much 2012 salary space as they can. They are already over the cap for 2011-12. Howard will be inexpensive and he won’t command a multi-year contract.

B) He’s talented. As recently as 2007, Howard made the All-Star team. Even in 2009-10, when he was more or less a walking corpse, Howard scored 12.7 points per game. Okay, so it was an empty and inefficient 12.7 points per game, and if Jeff Green had averaged the same numbers, I would verbally choke slam him. Actually, just forget about what Howard did in 2009-10. He’s talented. And he’s only 31 years old (although he plays like he’s in his forties).

C) If Howard is actually healthy, and that’s a big if, he could give the Celtics a much-needed jolt off the bench. The Celtics blew more leads last season than Greg Norman ever did. I hope some of you appreciate a little golf humor.

D) Am I really trying to talk myself into Josh Howard? These are the things that happen when the Celtics are capped out and have only seven players on their roster (eight if you include E’Twaun Moore). Pray for my sanity, guys.