They are statistically the Celtics most dominant pairing so far this year. They are averaging a +/- per 48 minutes of +21.4 points. They are the best offensive duo averaging 117.2 points per 48. Offensive rating of 112.1 and defensive rating of 94.1 for a net rating of +18.0 on the year.
In their 1 and only previous start this year they killed Charlotte on the road in 22 minutes together. They had an Off. rat. of 109.2 and a Def. rat. of 80.5 for a Net rat. of +28.7 in that game.
And that's with Sully only passing to KO 25 times all year. Just imagine if Sully also maximized, rather than minimized, KO's offense when the two were out there together.
I noticed a few times when it seemed Sullinger ignored the better option in Olynyk. I am biased in that I don't think Sullinger is a match for this team long-term.
These guys are in direct competition. Celtics Pride says one must be selfless and help both their teammates and their own games, a one for all, all for one mentality.
Seven guys have contracts up. That's half the team with unclear futures.
Isaiah Thomas is the only Celtic with the skill set to ball hog or assert himself in Captain-like fashion.
One image last night made me stop and wonder. Maybe I was seeing things that weren't there. It was during a timeout. I think Smart and Kelly were side by side in the flow of life and getting in their breathers. To the side alone I could also see Evan Turner and he was looking over at them. He was clearly daydreaming. If my hunch is correct, he was thinking about his life and future as an NBA player and perhaps that his days as a Celtic could be numbered.
Bass and Humphries never flinched under the same pressures. They were professional and good teammates until the day they were no longer on the team.
I don't get the same feeling from Sullinger and Turner. It is perhaps easier for Lee because he has already been relegated to the deep abyss portion of the bench.
These things go on all the time especially during the trading seasons. It is a reflection on human nature. Some guys can forget about the uncertainty and accept it as part of life and simply try their best. Others seem more interested in establishing their personal power on the team. I remember Tony Allen. He wasn't a Bogans and disruptive. But then it turned out he was probably never going to resign with Danny. He wanted more of a career than carrying water for Paul and Ray.
I think Sullinger and Turner might be both realizing that their time in Boston is nearing the end. Sully needed to get into shape. Turner needed to tighten his game and stop turning the ball over. I predict neither player is on the Celtics next year. I think it's more likely Amir returns unless he has become damaged goods. Like Koz says, he is only 28.
Every team needs some older players. Amir at 28 is the right age for such a teammate. He must have at least three more "prime" years and has proven he is a winner who plays the game the right way.
Sully and KO works because they have been together now for a number of years. Even Zeller has the ability to fit in because he knows the plays and his teammates very well.
I don't know if the problem is a lack of practice time or injuries banging up players, but this team is hitting a couple turning points. Right now the players are sweating it out until the trade deadline passes. Then there will be the Summer silly season.
I'm not rooting against Sully and Turner, but I wasn't rooting against Jordan Crawford or Humphries. I am a realist.
