Celtics conveniently delaying budding big-man controversy

Ten days ago, Brad Stevens stated that he doesn't expect to be able to play more than four big men per night.  It makes sense: There are 96 available minutes at the power forward and center spots.  If the starters log about 30 each, that leaves roughly 18 a piece for two more bodies off the bench.

However, in Stevens' case, he'll have three bigs on the pine worthy of significant action.  As Jared Sullinger noted, himself, David Lee, Tyler Zeller, Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson have all been starters in the NBA.

The prevailing theory at the moment is that Sullinger will likely be the odd man out--or at least that was the prevailing theory until he put a team-high 16 points in 19 minutes last night, along with eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks.

So what happens now?

Well, if you haven't noticed, the Celtics have been quite good at hiding the issue to this point.  In four of their six preseason games, one of the C's post players has been held out of action:

10/8 in Madrid: Johnson (sick)
10/14 in Brooklyn: Lee (rest)
10/19 vs. Nets: Lee (sick)
10/22 vs. Knicks: Olynyk (rest)

Don't be surprised to see a PF/C in street clothes for tonight's second game of a back-to-back vs. Philadelphia.  After that, the regular season begins against the Sixers on Wednesday.  At that point, Stevens is going to need a new plan.



Follow Mark Vandeusen on Twitter @LucidSportsFan