Brief assessment of Sully's funk

[TheFlex]

Was at the game tonight -- I'll keep it short.

Seems like in the past few games the Cs are looking to other players (besides Sully) to score, and Sully, much like Olynyk, quickly becomes disengaged from the game without the ball in his hands.

Aside from poor rebounding, this can be seen in Sully's lazy off-ball effort on the offensive end. Because of the Cs' lack of quick scorers, the team can't go to Sully on the block much to get him going. Old school, low block post-ups take time off the clock. If Sully fails to create a shot, the Cs must rush a shot and they don't have enough quick shooters/scorers to do that effectively.

Thus, it seems to me like a lot of Sully's offense comes off P&Rs and off-ball movement. Particularly in terms of P&R, when Sully becomes disengaged he sets poor screens that don't move the defender off the ball. Because of this he can't get open easily and when a pass is forced into him, he typically has very little room to move with defenders swarming and he either loses the ball or wildly throws up a bad pass or a bad shot.

Sully has to find a way to stay in the game when he's not getting the ball early on. If he sets good screens and keeps moving through the lane eventually the ball will find its way to him and he can get himself going. Otherwise, he's going to have a lot of nights like he did tonight.

[Celtics4ever]

I think he is lazy because of his conditioning.   He is at his best on the offensive boards, he is a good rebounder.   I think he takes threes to rest.  On the screens, with his body, and he is load,  he has no reason not to set good screens.  I still any team based off him or KO at the defensive end is going to struggle.

On the disengagement thing, I think that is something someone who has never played professional ball would think.   It is his job to play night in and night out, even when things are not going his way.   He does not get the ball, boo hoo, get a rebound and put it back up.  Every missed shot is a pass to a rebounder, that he has a chance to get and put back in.   If he is pouting and disengaged.   Then send him to the DL and put in Powell who at least tries but I doubt this it, folks.  Playing in the pros is a privelege not a right, and their are plenty of guys who want to be there and will play hard if this is the case.

It may be the first time, in his career he has sat for long periods.   Sully was the man in high school,   he was the man in OSU,   he even played last year and the year before and they let him play.   Now he is accountable for his lack of effort and defense and he rides the pine at times.   Stevens has picked up on his crappy D and effort and soured on him.   Maybe he is playing bad to get back at him.   It happens let's see if I can get the coach fired. 

Maybe he is going through the adjustment that people have to do when you realize your talent will only get you so far.   I hope this is case, because he has some talent.   He might take D more serious, get in shape and work on his body.   It would be good for him as a player and speed along his maturity and be good for him professionally. 

He could be mad that Ainge did not get him a rim protector.   But Zeller has been great in other regards.   I think if this continues a change of venue or trade would be good for us and perhaps him.

[Rosco917]

Sully needs to look in the mirror and realize that weight and conditioning are what's keeping him in the "good potential column." He's not 5-10 lb.. over weight, he's 25-30 over weight. It's cute when you're in high school ball and ok in college ball, but the pro's are the best athletes in the world, and you play almost every night.

Have you ever noticed the intensity and speed of the NBA game, when compared to college. We've all jumped channels from a college game to a pro game. College is closer to high school, than it is to the NBA. Dragging an extra 25 lb.. around has to take it's toll.

He's in a funk because he's fatigued. Him getting in better condition during the off season was B.S. Yeah, He worked out a bit, took some photos, did some extra drills...and them went out for pizza and ice cream. I'll bet Sully isn't 2 lb. lighter than he was last season.

After this season, it's time for Ange to inform him when you play basketball at this level, for this type of money, you give 100% dedication, or you don't get signed again when you're a free agent looking for security for the rest of your life.

That said, I like him, I respect his potential in the game, but I'm getting tired with watching him lumber around on D and taking the 3 because he too tied to fight for position on the block.

[SHAQATTACK]

I think as someone else mentioned there is a effort to get others involved more and he seems part of that program