Steep learning curve for Green

Gerald Green got a good look at his new home last night. A really good look.

He played nearly eight minutes in the Celtics' fourth exhibition game, scoring 4 points in the 98-82 loss to Chicago. From his front-row seat on the bench, Green surveyed the championship banners, the retired numbers, and storied parquet floor at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Born the same year the Celtics last won an NBA title, he is not old enough to remember the first incarnation of the Garden. He is unapologetically part of the future. The question remains how long will it be until that future materializes. With Green averaging 7.7 minutes per game during the exhibition season, the correct answer would seem to be pretty long.

In what little playing time Green has earned, he has proven one thing: He is not quite ready for the starting lineup. While he has NBA range and athleticism and, with a little more time in the weight room, an NBA body, Green has yet to grasp NBA strategy on both offense and defense.

''That's probably the hardest part, knowing the system and the rotations and stuff on defense," said Green. ''I don't feel lost. I just feel like I need a little bit more experience, especially on the defensive side."

With the successes of Tony Allen and Al Jefferson last season, there are high expectations for the Celtics' top pick. But it's easy to forget that last year Green was starring for Gulf Shores Academy in Houston. Also around this time last year, coach Doc Rivers did not expect Jefferson to play much as rookie. My, how things change. Jefferson made rapid progress over the second half of the season as he began to understand the NBA game. Chances are Green will have similar eureka-type moments. If not, he has no problem patiently waiting.

''Coach Rivers is developing me slow, I guess," said Green. ''When I get in there, I go out there and try to play my best. If I don't, I just try to encourage my team and try to find ways to get better every day. It's not really my decision [how much I play]. It's the coach's decision. I'm just here to get better and do what coach says."

Added Rivers: ''It's just going to take him some time. I'm not in a rush with him."

Bulls prevail

For the second time in five days, the Bulls defeated the Celtics. Last night, the Bulls received impressive performances from reserves Othella Harrington (10 points), Chris Duhon (10 points, 6 assists), Darius Songaila (11 points), and Kasib Powell (11 points, 7 rebounds) as the visitors' bench outscored the Celtics' bench, 56-23.

''We really got off to a great start today," said Paul Pierce (24 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds) of the starters establishing a 30-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. ''We're starting to find something. We're trying to find different combinations that work for us, especially off the bench."

While the Boston reserves struggled offensively, Ryan Gomes (7 rebounds) and Kendrick Perkins (6 rebounds) helped the home team take a 44-37 edge on the glass. Orien Greene logged 11 minutes 57 seconds of solid play at point guard before his back stiffened up. Rivers reported that Greene ''just couldn't move" and has been ''working his way through" back issues recently.

Room for a view

The Celtics tried out eight new courtside seats last night. The seats were located at the end of the scorer's table by the Celtics' and Bulls' benches, two across and two deep. For last night's exhibition, each seat cost $700. If the team decides to keep the seats for the regular season, they are likely to be priced higher. ''They were unbelievable," said Jessica Gelman of Back Bay, who sat next to the Bulls' bench. ''I felt like I was on the bench. I was on the bench technically. The Bulls' staff was so nice and very funny. It was an unbelievable experience. It's worth it, whatever the price is.". . . Tony Allen traveled to Chicago yesterday to meet with his attorney and answer police questions about a nightclub shooting that occurred in September . . . Before the game, Jefferson was spotted working out with assistant coach Dave Wohl, moving around somewhat gingerly on his sprained left ankle. He then walked into the trainer's room for treatment with a slight limp. That said, Rivers said Jefferson ''might practice" today before the team heads to Toronto for the second of three exhibition games in four nights . . . Dress code aside, Rivers called for everyone in the league to be conscious of acting professionally. ''The bottom line is what we have to keep improving is how we act," said Rivers. ''We have to do a better job in that, all of us. When we carry ourselves in a professional manner every day, all of us, then clothes will not be a factor."