I'm just super pumped about Sullinger. Questions abound, but I'm pumped.

[indeedproceed]

I am super pumped about Sullinger. Let's start there. Ever since it was rumored that he might fall to us, I've been praying for him (figuratively not actually).

There are many questions about the kid. Can he play center in the NBA? How's his back? Is he just another glen Davis?

Well, they're legitimate questions, but here is my take:

1) He's a 'help now' pick
It means we will get to see him. He's cheaper than Brandon Bass could possibly be, and he's the type of guy doc actually plays. Avery Bradley wasnt that type of guy, Fab Melo doesn't sound like it either. But I am convinced that unless Bass returns, he'll see time. That means something.

2) he seems excited for the challenge he now faces
He's gonna 'get to work', and use his draft position as 'motovation'. Know what that means? Awesome interviews and hard work we'll never see. He's basically fallen from grace and into our laps. I fully expect glowing KG endorsement to follow shortly.

3) he's got the skillset already to get us excited.
Perkins did work. He even did 'Work' with a capital dubs. But it wasn't until we saw him against Dwight Howard until we really appreciated it, because perkins skillset was off box-score. Sullinger walks in with an offensive skillset we're ready to embrace.

Assuming he doesn't miss 2013 with his 'disc problems' I think we're going to look back on this withh incredible fondness.

[lightspeed5]

He was rated as the number 2 player in the class of 2010 in the ESPNU 100 the number 4 player by Scout.com, and the number 5 player by Rivals.com. In his senior year, Sullinger led Northland High School to a 21-0 season and a #1 national ranking. He averaged 24.5 points and 11.7 rebounds for the season. Sullinger played in the 4th annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic.

Sullinger was selected to play in the 2010 McDonald's All-American Game in Columbus, Ohio, where he was named co-MVP with Harrison Barnes. He was also selected to play in the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon and the 2010 Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.
 
On March 10, 2010, Sullinger won the James A. Naismith Award, which goes to the boys basketball player of the year.[4]


he has the tools to be an all star.

is it just me, or does this look and feel "right"

[Celtics18]

I'm feeling it.  This kid really knows how to play the game.  That's what it takes to get in Doc Rivers' rotation.  Upside won't get you much playing time around here.

Jared Sullinger is going to be a horse on the block.

[KGs Knee]

I almost had to know it'd be you, IP.

Not for nothing, but I don't know if I've ever encountered another person with whom I disagree with more.  And on almost every subject.  It's almost comical.

So yeah, as you have probably guessed, I was super depressed when I saw Sullinger was drafted by the C's.

 Hopefully this will be one of the times, few times I might add , when you turn out right.

[lightspeed5]

sullinger was rated #2 in his high school class, avery bradley was rated #1 in his high school class.  high school studs that fall due to injury or other reasons are danny's steals, and they always seem to fall to us. sullinger killed it in college too though, which makes it more surprising how far he fell.

[indeedproceed]

Fair enough KGsK. On the downside, he's BBD with a better jumpshot, comparable defensive awareness (as to BBD's first year) and less of the unique self-destructive crazy BBD carried.

But that is the bottom floor. Imagine the penthouse, amigo.

[kozlodoev]

On the downside, he's BBD with a better jumpshot, comparable defensive awareness (as to BBD's first year) and less of the unique self-destructive crazy BBD carried.

I'm not even sure he's as good as Davis, offensively, and from what I've seen his jump shot is every bit as streaky.

He is, however, considerably better in moving his feet on defense, which makes me think that he may stick around. Or even start sooner rather than later, depending on the circumstances.

[manl_lui]

I am super pumped about Sullinger. Let's start there. Ever since it was rumored that he might fall to us, I've been praying for him (figuratively not actually).

There are many questions about the kid. Can he play center in the NBA? How's his back? Is he just another glen Davis?

Well, they're legitimate questions, but here is my take:

1) He's a 'help now' pick
It means we will get to see him. He's cheaper than Brandon Bass could possibly be, and he's the type of guy doc actually plays. Avery Bradley wasnt that type of guy, Fab Melo doesn't sound like it either. But I am convinced that unless Bass returns, he'll see time. That means something.

2) he seems excited for the challenge he now faces
He's gonna 'get to work', and use his draft position as 'motovation'. Know what that means? Awesome interviews and hard work we'll never see. He's basically fallen from grace and into our laps. I fully expect glowing KG endorsement to follow shortly.

3) he's got the skillset already to get us excited.
Perkins did work. He even did 'Work' with a capital dubs. But it wasn't until we saw him against Dwight Howard until we really appreciated it, because perkins skillset was off box-score. Sullinger walks in with an offensive skillset we're ready to embrace.

Assuming he doesn't miss 2013 with his 'disc problems' I think we're going to look back on this withh incredible fondness.

I hope he works or thinks how DeMarcus Cousins did when he got drafted. He had a huge ego and wasn't too happy that he wasn't drafted by the Nets before the Kings...kinda remember him saying, he will prove the teams that didn't draft him wrong. And now he's a 20 10 2 guy.

I hope Sullinger in a way think like that "I'm a top 10 talent, and you guys let me fall to 21? I'm gonna make you guys regret not drafting me!"

Having a feeling he will be a huge steal in the future

[GreenFaith1819]

Is it November yet?

I'm excited about Sully (and Fab and Joseph, too)

But Sullinger's going to get some significant PT, I believe.

I wish the best for him and the other rooks. We're going to NEED them to be productive if Danny wants to keep this core together.

[SHAQATTACK]

Agree with OP ,  I believe this guy comes ready to contribute , even if he is completely lost on D  sets.   

We many many times "lack" the energy to stir the pot and get the Celtics playing  hard.

If nothing else, he can bring energy , and not so much wasted energy,  but he can get a offensive rebound, finish under the rim , hit a open jump shot , do more than say Hollins who has no skills.

I'm hoping he can someday bring as much to the table as Brandon Bass.  Who I really liked alot. but often seems to have such a limited game., and struggles with defense.

Also I'm betting with Sully on board, JJJ is going to have to step it up big time this year to prove he belongs .

Throw in Jeff Green in mix and it might get interesting to see who comes out top dog in two years. Which guys will eventually get Pierces minutes.

[celtics2]

hey, man up, don't be afraid to say you Prayed for him. Fans have been Praying for the Celtics for years. Hasn't helped much though, musta been figuratively.

[Boris Badenov]

If he understands the defense well enough to get on the floor, he will help this team right away.

With AB and Rondo in the backcourt, having front court players who can shoot is critical. Sullinger is a good jump shooter. With Rondo's ability to get open looks for big guys on the perimeter (KG, Bass), Sullinger could thrive, and add a dimension of rebounding that we didn't have last year.

His post offense is more iffy. He needs to show that he can get his shot off against NBA-level post defense.

[cman88]

I think alot of people are overlooking the fact that if it wasnt for sullingers "back" issue he wouldve been a Lottery pick THIS YEAR.

before that popped up several mocks had him going in the top10...if he doesnt have any issues with that back he is going to be a STEAL...his floor is likely BBD, and his ceiling David west.

with KG teaching him the next 3 years and a chip on his shoulder I expect him to shoot for the ceiling.


Remember the last big New england draft pick who fell because he supposedly had a bad back??? his name was Rob Gronkowski.

and look how that worked out

[LarBrd33]

Fair enough KGsK. On the downside, he's BBD with a better jumpshot, comparable defensive awareness (as to BBD's first year) and less of the unique self-destructive crazy BBD carried.

But that is the bottom floor. Imagine the penthouse, amigo.

What's his actual ceiling?  Carlos Boozer?... or is that being too generous?

[bbd24]

Fair enough KGsK. On the downside, he's BBD with a better jumpshot, comparable defensive awareness (as to BBD's first year) and less of the unique self-destructive crazy BBD carried.

But that is the bottom floor. Imagine the penthouse, amigo.

That's a pretty good bottom floor.  Especially since he's also a better Rebounder than Baby.

Rebounding, Rebounding, Rebounding.....

We needed it and I think Ainge nailed it with this pick.  Were darn lucky the reports came out and he slid.  Like Rondo, his talent is nowhere near the 21st pick level.