Jared Sullinger to start over Brandon Bass??

[Jon]

I think that's extremely unlikely.  I feel like if Doc said that, he was saying it in the spirit of "anyone can earn a starting role if he plays hard" type mentality. 

I think if Doc and Danny really thought that Sullinger was going to start right away, they wouldn't have given Bass the contract that they did.  That doesn't mean Sullinger won't eventually win it, but I can't imagine the team committing that type of money to Bass (especially with Green vying for minutes at the 4) if they were that confident in Sullinger. 

That said, I think the bigger threat to Bass's starting job is Green.  Like it or not, I think there's a shot Green beats him out for the starting 4 spot.  Regardless of that, he should play substantial time there. 

[KJ33]

According to Greg Anthony in the pre-game show to summer league game last night, he said that Doc Rivers told him that sullinger might start at Center for the c's next year.

considering how sullinger is such a better rebounder than bass and likes to bang in the post(and KG doesnt) It wouldnt be a bad move

so to start the season(with bradley out) our rotation could be

Rondo/Terry
Lee/Terry
Pierce/Green
KG/bass/green
Sullinger/KG/wilcox

That is not what Anthony said at all.  His partner asked him, somewhat incredulously, about a conversation Anthony had with Doc about the possibility of Sullinger starting.  Anthony relayed the conversation and asked Doc if he was straight, or just selling him as a fellow/former announcer some BS.  He confirmed that Doc said he could see Sullinger starting for them.  He never mentioned what position, and he never specified when.  I got the impression Doc was saying he thinks they got a starting player with that pick.  Whether that would be right away or down the road wasn't at all clear nor was it whose spot it was that he would take.  It was much more a statement about Doc being very high on Sullinger vs. submitting his specific lineup for an upcoming game.

[danglertx]

If it is anywhere close to Sullinger winning a starting job, they should trade no pass Bass right away.

[Dano El]

Comment meant to motivate Bass so he shows up in shape and plays hard.  That's all.

[Prof. Clutch]

I like Sully's game but I think Greg Anthony may be getting ahead of himself.  A 6"9 rookie starting at Center for Doc "earn your playing time" Rivers from the get-go?!  Me thinks not.

[pearljammer10]

not a chance he starts over bass or at center.  we dont need an undersized pf playing undersized at the center spot. just some offseason babble to spark some healthy comptetition

[cman88]

I doubt he will start, but I think Sullinger is going to play and contribute for us this year as one of the main "bigs" off the bench

the thing to keep in mind is that sullinger isnt quite like most of the rookies we've had the past few years...hes lottery pick  talent and already has the BB IQ and game to contribute..

[missyP]

I don't like Bass starting, so as far as that's concerned, I have no problem. I'd give Wilcox a shot though, and I'd start Green over Bass too. Of potential rotation bigs, Bass is the last I want starting.

Pretty much how I feel.  I simply don't think bass is a starter on a good team and that he is better suited as an energy guy off the bench.  I hadnt considered starting sullinger but it might not be a bad idea.  Sully isn't your typical rookie.  He already knows how to play the game.

My sentiments exactly. I think Bass is jump shooter who got exposed here and there and most postings here on Celticsblog concurred that the guy fairs better as the first big off the bench. I like what Doc's is doing here. Put Bass in off the bench for that scoring but I would rather have Wilcox start and then make Sully earn it.

excited for the next season already.

[Moranis]

center? Bad idea if we start Sully it needs to be pf and KG at center. Still very interesting, Sully is the better rebounder. Starting for a Celtics team as a rookie though? Good job haha

what is the difference?  KG will guard the better 4/5 and on offense KG will be on the wing and high post and Sully will be down low.  It makes no difference who is the center and who is the power forward as that will be their roles.

[fairweatherfan]

Wouldn't surprise me - remember, we wanted Bass coming off the bench last year before injuries forced us to start him.

Doc doesn't necessarily start the best 5 players - remember all those games Scal started back in the day?  Rather, he starts based on the type of lineups he wants later in the game. 

If Doc's still planning on playing KG for 3 5 minute stretches a half, having Bass come in for him, then KG coming in for Sully and playing with Bass (or Wilcox) to end quarters makes a lot of sense.  This also can reduce KG's time at the 5.  Bass would still be more likely to play in crunch time of course.

I'm not saying Doc's definitely going to do this - it could just be motivation for Sully - but it's pretty consistent with how he seems to approach his lineups.

[Marqui]

I don't like Bass starting, so as far as that's concerned, I have no problem. I'd give Wilcox a shot though, and I'd start Green over Bass too. Of potential rotation bigs, Bass is the last I want starting.

Pretty much how I feel.  I simply don't think bass is a starter on a good team and that he is better suited as an energy guy off the bench.  I hadnt considered starting sullinger but it might not be a bad idea.  Sully isn't your typical rookie.  He already knows how to play the game.

My sentiments exactly. I think Bass is jump shooter who got exposed here and there and most postings here on Celticsblog concurred that the guy fairs better as the first big off the bench. I like what Doc's is doing here. Put Bass in off the bench for that scoring but I would rather have Wilcox start and then make Sully earn it.

excited for the next season already.

Me too. And going by what Anthony said on tv, it sounded like Doc almost has his mind made up already that Sullinger will start over Bass.

[slamtheking]

I don't see it happening simply due to Doc's "make players earn it" mentality but I definitely see the value in moving Bass back to the bench where he was a very effective scorer off the bench.  Wilcox may be the better option with perhaps Bass and Sully both coming off the bench as the 3rd and 4th big men.

[lightspeed5]

I think that's extremely unlikely.  I feel like if Doc said that, he was saying it in the spirit of "anyone can earn a starting role if he plays hard" type mentality. 

I think if Doc and Danny really thought that Sullinger was going to start right away, they wouldn't have given Bass the contract that they did.  That doesn't mean Sullinger won't eventually win it, but I can't imagine the team committing that type of money to Bass (especially with Green vying for minutes at the 4) if they were that confident in Sullinger. 

That said, I think the bigger threat to Bass's starting job is Green.  Like it or not, I think there's a shot Green beats him out for the starting 4 spot.  Regardless of that, he should play substantial time there. 

KG would take over bass's starting spot at the 4 with sully playing the 5. so sully wouldnt be taking over bass's spot.

[ManUp]

Doc Rivers starting a rookie over a vet? that'll be the day.

Sullinger first has to prove he can stay on the floor.

Maybe in a couple of years, but definitely no in year one.

[Moranis]

Doc Rivers starting a rookie over a vet? that'll be the day.

Sullinger first has to prove he can stay on the floor.

Maybe in a couple of years, but definitely no in year one.

Allen, West, Gomes, and a few others all started a bunch of games as rookies, though not to start the year.