It has been nearly impossible to get a gauge on Brian Scalabrine's role with the Celtics, and it doesn't sound as if it's going to get any easier.

The forward, signed away from New Jersey as a free agent, has averaged 14.2 minutes in six preseason games, but he's played as many as 20 minutes and as few as six and a half. Scalabrine, who makes his return to the Meadowlands tomorrow night for an exhibition game vs. the Nets, might as well get used to it.

``I don't know,'' said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers when talking about a plan for his new frontcourt man. ``He's going to play. Scal's a utility guy. He can play (the) 4. He can play (as a) 3. If we're going to go really small we can even play him at the 5 spot. So he's a guy that will get minutes on our team, but where and when will be determined probably by the way we want to play that night or the way the game is being (played).''

Discussing what Scalabrine can contribute, Rivers pointed toward hustle and intangibles.

``He's an energy guy,'' the coach said. ``You need energy guys on your team. He's a good chemistry guy. That will build. I think he is, but guys don't know him well enough for him to be a great chemistry guy yet. I think that will be later. But right now he's just a great energy guy to have.''