Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Can Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine be the X-Factor for the Celtics? The topic was raised by one of you folks in a comment.

Without pretending to have psychic abilities or influence over the decisions of the Celtics coaching staff, I'm taking up both sides of the topic.

“Scal” is a 6’9” 235-pound seventh year man who started 33 games in his NBA career. Scalabrine has averaged just under four points per game over his career (he scored 2.9 in his first season with the Celtics and 4.0 last season) and shot just under 40 percent from behind the three-point line (39.3). Click here to see his career stats

A second-round draft pick in 2001, he had most productive season came in 2004-05 with New Jersey as a role player off the bench.

Last year, his largest value was arguably his experience and ability to understand what the coaching staff was trying to implement. He did not fall victim to the same sort of lapses of concentration that youngsters like Gerald Green suffered through.

Several times he ended up -- more or less by default due to injuries -- guarding some of the oppositions best offensive players such as Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant.

Now, this year’s team figures to be vastly different in that the overall experience level should be higher. Six players on the training camp roster have been in the league longer than Scalabrine.

The 2007-08 bench will feature more players who’ve proven they’re NBA players than last season. James Posey, Tony Allen, Eddie House, Scot Pollard, and Scalabrine will come off the bench as well.

It seems the case could be made that Scalabrine is less likely to be an X-factor because of the increased talent level, versatility, and experience of the roster. After all, it’s not as if he were a starter on last year’s squad.

On the other hand if you want to make a case for Scalabrine as an X-factor, you might say his ability to play significant minutes in the frontcourt could allow the Celtics to use different lineup combinations.

It could also be said that he had his best seasons in a more defined role of the bench. The sort of role he may get back to this season. He a big body that is solid in rebounding and has some range on his jump shot. Those players can always be of use, and Ryan Gomes is now longer wearing green.

Click the comments link below and give your thoughts on Scal, the Celtics, and/or what you'll be looking for going into tomorrow's first preseason game.