The first-round pick in 2001 will move into the Celtics starting lineup.

BOSTON (AP) – Kedrick Brown has won a starting spot at small forward for the opening game of the Boston Celtics season, the team said Monday.

The team announced that they had exercised the fourth-year option on Brown’s contract.

Brown “has made tremendous progress,” Danny Ainge, executive director of basketball operations, said in a statement.

Ainge said Brown’s starting slot was “a direct result of his hard work over the summer and in the preseason.”

The team also announced it was placing three players on the injured list: Brandon Hunter, Kendrick Perkins and Chris Mills.

The 6-foot-7 Brown, 22, was selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft. He has made 10 starts in 80 games, averaging 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.4 minutes of action.

The other 11 active players on the roster for the season opener Wednesday at the FleetCenter are: Vin Baker, Marcus Banks, Tony Battie, Mark Blount, Mike James, Jumaine Jones, Raef LaFrentz, Walter McCarty, Paul Pierce, Jiri Welsch, and Eric Williams.