BOSTON (AP) – The Celtics released veteran guard Rusty LaRue on Thursday.

LaRue averaged 2.0 points in 10.2 minutes per game in five preseason games for Boston.

LaRue, who has played in parts of four NBA seasons, sat out the 2002-2003 season. LaRue last played in the NBA for Utah during the 2001-2002 season, averaging 5.8 points and 2.2 assists over 33 games. The move cuts the Celtics roster to 15.

The active roster must be cut to 12 before Boston opens the season Wednesday at home against the Miami Heat.

AP-ES-10-23-03 1423EDT