The starting lineup issue: PF spot

With one day remaining to our season opener game against the Heat, today I would like to talk about the starting lineup issue that has been and it's still being discussed all these days in different blogs and media. The truth is that it can be assured that Rondo, Pierce and KG are going to start. Also, Doc said he would start Lee and keep Jason Terry in his comfy Sixt-man role while Avery Bradley recovers from his shoulder injury. What we certainly don't know is what player will Doc start in the power forward spot. The most possible candidates are Bass (like last year), Sullinger and even Jeff Green, but the last one has less chances to make it. So, let's discuss which one between Bass and Sullinger is the best choice for Doc.

Although Doc is not going to use just one lineup during the season (see his words below):

-Via WEEI: "Experience, size, it depends on the night," Rivers said. "I don't think we're going to have one starting lineup this year. There's three that I know of we'll use. We can move it around."

It is clear that there will be a most used starting lineup with either Bass or Sullinger. Who's best to start? Let's analyze both Strengths and Weaknesses in their games:

Brandon Bass 

Strenghts...

I remember when we picked up Bass in a sign-and-trade deal in exchange of Glen Davis. All the immaturity and irregularity that Davis brought to the Celtics was replaced by that heavy build player called Bass and his maturity and experience. This season will be the eight season for him and he has proven to be a consistent player since he arrived to the Celtics. Although he was a solid player when he played for the Mavs, he reached the top of his game when he got to BeanTown. What I would highlight as well is his mid-range jump shot. Thanks to his jumper, there's a lot of spacing and it can really help players like Rajon Rondo to go to the basket or either find him. Plus, he is a beast and grabs a lot of offensive rebounds and finish over bigger defenders. Here's an example of his consistency, when he put up 27 points (9-13 FG) against Sixers in Playoffs 6th game.  

Weaknesses...

When it comes to find something weak in his kind of game it's a really difficult task. I really like his game and if I had to say something bad about him it would be that he is a bit undersized for PF spot and that his defense is not the best out there but decent.. Also, he doesn't have much of a post game but I think he fixes that with his efficient shot. Finally there's his issue with his bad knee that kept him out of some games last year. 

Jared Sullinger

Strenghts...

What I like most about Jared skills is his ability to score, to rebound (specially off. rebounds) and his back-to-basket game. In this preseason we've seen what's this kid capable of. He's put 10.9 points 7 rebounds and 56% FG in 25 minutes. That's quite impressive for a guy that was red-flagged in the draft because of his back issues. He really can move without the ball and score around the rim easily plus he's got a nice mid-range jump shot. He's really strong as well despite he is not a physical freak (although he's lost weight since he joined the team).

Weaknesses...

The biggest weakness in Jared Sullinger is his inexperience in a NBA game. He is a bit undersized for the spot just as Bass but a bit more overweight. Although he's lost some pounds he has to lose a little bit more if he wants to compete with other players. His defense is not the best but it seems he's working a lot in this aspect. Finally, there's the injury-prone thing which has been chasing him since he got into the league. So let's see if he can stay healthy and meet the expectations.

Who's better to start then?

Having analyzed each player, I would say that they are kind of similar players but Sullinger is 20 years old and sky is the limit for him. He also is a better rebounder and back-to-basket player but Bass is faster and more physical player. So,If I was Doc, I would go for the Bass option mainly because of his experience in the game and because of his knowledge of the system. He also has incredible chemistry with the other starters. But this doesn't mean that I wouldn't use Sullinger or even Green. Meanwhile, Doc says both Sullinger and Green have chances (Via BleacherReport):

"I guess so. He (Sullinger) has a chance. There are definitely open minutes at that spot. Jeff (Green) is going to play the 4, too, so that will take away some of the minutes. But it’s an open competition."

In fact, Doc has said (Via BleacherReport) that he will combine everyone in the starting lineup:

"I'll throw Jared in a couple games, then I'll throw Brandon in, I'll throw Darko [Milicic] in a couple times. You can read into whatever you want, but there have been no decisions made on anything yet."