BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics re-signed backup center Mark Blount to a multiyear contract on Wednesday.

"He provided us great energy last year in games and in practice, and gave us quality shot blocking and rebounding,'' said Danny Ainge, the Celtics head of basketball operations. "We feel that Mark is still improving as a player.''

The Celtics first signed the 7-0, 250-pound Blount as a free agent before the 2000-01 season. He played 64 games as a rookie, averaging 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds while leading the team in blocked shots with 76.

Blount was reacquired by the Celtics last year in a trade with Denver. In 27 games, he averaged 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 19.2 minutes.