''I look forward to the day when we have our eight or nine rotation guys already set, and we've had great success the year before then you bring in people to fill the gaps," said Ainge. ''But right now, we've got guys fighting for jobs, fighting for minutes, fighting for opportunities. Where we are as a franchise, I'm OK with that."
Knowing what is at stake this exhibition season, up to 11 players at one time visited the Celtics' practice facility for summer workouts. Everyone wanted an edge, though Ainge and Rivers will judge players on more than individual skill.
According to Rivers, ''fit" will be the No. 1 criteria in determining starters and the rest of the rotation. What guard combination works best? Which front-court players provide the rebounding and inside scoring Rivers wants? Rivers hopes the answers become obvious after eight exhibition games. Although the coach wants to work with his regular-season roster as soon as possible, he promises not to rush the process. In other words, every player with a guaranteed contract is guaranteed a shot.
The toughest challenge for Rivers may be fostering team chemistry amid the competition. A lot of offseason additions will be vying for starting jobs, playing time, and roster spots, from rookies Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Orien Greene, and Will Bynum to veterans Brian Scalabrine and Dan Dickau. For free agents like Scalabrine and Dickau, Boston was an attractive team precisely because of the opportunities available.
''It's easier in some ways when you have eight very talented players and four guys who are just happy to be there," said Rivers. ''We're not that type of team. We have 12 guys who can play. Hell, we have 15 guys, 17 guys who can play when you think about it. Before we do anything, we have to have two guys who aren't going to be in a Celtic uniform just to start [the season]. Then, we get it to 15 and we're going to cut that down to 12 [active players].
''The key thing is we're doing this to win. If every player understands that every decision is about winning, then the roles will be accepted. If the 'me' gets into the 'we' process, then you have problems."
