Chris Mannix: Every GM says Jared Sullinger will be the biggest draft bust

[TripleOT]

In the last few years, very few all star level players were picked from 21-30 in the draft (Rondo, Lee, and maybe one other). 

Sullinger will be considered a bust if he doesn't play four years in the NBA.  He's be typical of where he was picked if he gets in an NBA rotation or kicks around as a 9th man type.

If he becomes a solid rotation guy, like a Udonis Haslem, his choice will be a big success.  if he becomes all star level, it will  be another master stroke by DA with the 21st pick.   

[Tr1boy]

dunno... i've heard he could end up a poor man's Carlos Boozer or he could end up a poor man's Ike Diogu.  We'll see.

I didn't know there was such a thing as a poor man's Ike Diogu. Wow, that'd be just awful haha.

Zach Randolph is the perfect comparison. Their bodies, to rebounding, and end of the night giving you 18-10. Blue collar style production

[snively]

dunno... i've heard he could end up a poor man's Carlos Boozer or he could end up a poor man's Ike Diogu.  We'll see.

I didn't know there was such a thing as a poor man's Ike Diogu. Wow, that'd be just awful haha.

Zach Randolph is the perfect comparison. Their bodies, to rebounding, and end of the night giving you 18-10. Blue collar style production

I think Randolph has longer arms. Don't have his measurements, but they certainly look longer - I remember being impressed in his 2nd year in the playoffs with Portland how difficult it was for that long Dallas frontcourt (Dirk, Raef, Bradley) to get to his shot. 

I think Jared will have to depend more on his J than young Randolph (who hurt his game by taking it to the perimeter).

[TripleOT]

Sullinger has been top of his class in HS and in college.  I'm going to be surprised if he isn't at least a bench big in the pros.

I'm going to put on the green glasses and write that Sully will be at least 2nd team all rookie this season.   

[kp4000]

Everyone in the media always has an opinion regarding what the Celtics do or don't do. They'll constantly be counted out or criticized by some in the media. And they'll constantly prove the naysayers wrong, again.

 

[Jon]

Here's the thing with Sullinger.  Might he never be more than a BBD/Bass type player?  Maybe.  But on this team for next year that's still something of value. 

A lot of these so called experts seem to forget that Kendrick Perkins averaged 8-10 PPG here despite dribbling the ball before going up with it (and consequently getting rejected) half of the time.  Playing with Rondo and the Hall of Famers is a pretty good gig. 

And this certainly won't be a case of Giddens, Moiso, or Kedrick Brown again.  All were super athletes with no basketball skills.  Sullinger has post moves, can hit an open jumper and generally knows how to play the game.

And as others have suggested, for these reasons, he could end up being a Boozer/Brand type of player in the future if he continues to develop his game. 

So while he may not be an All Star, I'm confident that at the very least he can be a solid rotation player, which at the very least can help us next year. 

[fugazzi24]

Not sure if anyone has said this yet but,

Sullinger = Danny Fortson

People might forgot but Forston averaged 10/10+ a few times in his career.  Basically his weight and several stress fractures in his feet really derailed his career. He was able to play Center and PF with his bulk.

The one thing that makes Sully better is the fact he can shoot much better than Fortson.  So if we can get an upgraded Fortson, that is a spot starter, good 3rd Big Man I would be happy.

[Jon]

Not sure if anyone has said this yet but,

Sullinger = Danny Fortson

People might forgot but Forston averaged 10/10+ a few times in his career.  Basically his weight and several stress fractures in his feet really derailed his career. He was able to play Center and PF with his bulk.

The one thing that makes Sully better is the fact he can shoot much better than Fortson.  So if we can get an upgraded Fortson, that is a spot starter, good 3rd Big Man I would be happy.

Exactly.  I think he's probably a little less of a rebounder than Forston (who was truly elite in this area for a number of years) and obviously a better shooter. 

But the point is that he should at least be able to be a good 5th option when playing with the starters (in the vein of BBD, Powe, or Bass) and potentially could grow to be a Brand/Boozer type of player.  Maybe that's not ideal, but still pretty good for a mid-to-late first round pick. 

[snively]

Not sure if anyone has said this yet but,

Sullinger = Danny Fortson

People might forgot but Forston averaged 10/10+ a few times in his career.  Basically his weight and several stress fractures in his feet really derailed his career. He was able to play Center and PF with his bulk.

The one thing that makes Sully better is the fact he can shoot much better than Fortson.  So if we can get an upgraded Fortson, that is a spot starter, good 3rd Big Man I would be happy.

Fortson's offensive rebounding + good free throw shooting combo was quite potent when he could stay on the floor.

[Celtics4ever]

I think Zack has more "nasty" in him too.  Sully plays hard but isn't known for a mean streak at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg9QEtvxdq4

If he did this would have never happened.  Sometimes a mean streak can be a good thing.

[jpurthe1]

I see Elton Brand potential and career out of Sully. He has the same build, height and footwork. Loves to rebound and can hit an outside shot. I think Sully has better range and may have better accuracy over time. I will take IT!