Sullinger to have career year?

[vjcsmoke]

That's what this Marc D'Amico article suggests:
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/091715-history-suggests-sullinger-will-have-career-year

Career high 31 pts - many of them against Demarcus Cousins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgumaVrfIZE

So what do you think guys?  Will Sullinger show up fitter and better than ever, and take his game to the next level this year?  It's a contract year, and if he wants to get a max contract from somebody, he really needs to step up his game.

[PhoSita]

If Sullinger comes in with a completely changed physique -- lighter, quicker, more agile, with the endurance to stay on the floor for 32+ minutes a game -- he will almost certainly have a career year.

All he has to do, really, is be physically fit enough to stay on the floor for 30 minutes or more a night for an entire season.  He's been a pretty productive player his whole career.

How realistic is it to expect that, though?

[sofutomygaha]

I am very confident that Sullinger is about to have a career year, but his career has been short and unspectacular. A marginal improvement in fitness, a sustained effort, some good injury luck, and average shooting percentages could provide a career year without portending an all-star or even 8-figure-worthy future.

[Donoghus]

Weren't some people saying this before last season?  I remember some nonsense about him putting up some numbers that had only been achieved by a handful of guys in NBA history.

For the Celtics sake, I hope he does.  Improve his trade value.  I still don't think he's part of the long term picture here.

[PhoSita]

I am very confident that Sullinger is about to have a career year, but his career has been short and unspectacular. A marginal improvement in fitness, a sustained effort, some good injury luck, and average shooting percentages could provide a career year without portending an all-star or even 8-figure-worthy future.

+1

If Sullinger simply comes in and is fit enough to play 30+ minutes per game for the first time in his career, he'd put up something like 15 points and 9 rebounds without really being any better overall than he was two years ago.

On the other hand, if improved fitness allows him to be a better, more consistent shooter, particularly from three point land, that could allow him to make the leap to a productive, reliable starter.  I'm not sure if he'll ever be a particularly good defensive player, though.

[Denis998]

That's what this Marc D'Amico article suggests:
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/091715-history-suggests-sullinger-will-have-career-year

Career high 31 pts - many of them against Demarcus Cousins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgumaVrfIZE

So what do you think guys?  Will Sullinger show up fitter and better than ever, and take his game to the next level this year?  It's a contract year, and if he wants to get a max contract from somebody, he really needs to step up his game.

its weird to see IT4 in purple now.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Career year? Most probably... considering he's young, not really an impressive feat to have. Just usual progression.

[Greyman]

Yes to the original question. I believe he will be better than he has been. He has been good when fit previously too so I am not saying he should be better because he hasn't done much. The question that I am asking is, 'how good can he be?' My most optimistic, Celtic biased part of my being wants him to become one of those pieces people talk about the team needing. 20+ points a game and a bucket of rebounds. And defense that is at least passable.

Is this unlikely or impossible? I'm not convinced it is but the proof will be in the pudding. Or lack of pudding.

[BornReady]

I think he'll need a career year considering the talent we have in front court
Playing time is going to be hard to come by with lee, Johnson, olynyk , possibly jones all capable of playing Sullys spot

[Celtics4ever]

Ainge hedged his bets and added some talent.  Jared up to now has shown no inclination to show up in camp in shape or ready.   I think he has lost weight but he will still be slow.  This guy is not and never will be a thoroughbred.  That being said he should be better, let the competition for PF begin.

[SHAQATTACK]

Yup.....

He 'll lead all bigs in scoring .


Then divide the Celtic Nation on .....keep or trade him in a star package.

With at least 1 new keep or trade Sully thread every week on this blog

[CelticsFanFromNYC]

I think if Celtics had the same roster as last year, I could see it happening. Johnson and Lee are too talented for Sully to fully expand his game this season.  We also have expectations for other players to slowly break out as well. I think the goal this season for Sully  is really  to prove he's a legit future asset to this team. Stats or not, we'll be able to tell. Every day someone different is going to have 20+.

[chambers]

Yes it should be.
I think he'll start at PF and having Lee and Amir here will be great competition and keep him motivated.
His biggest competition for minutes has been Olynyk and Bass - not too challenging.
He's also suffered some demotivation with the lack of defensive help he receives and it's hurt his attitude on defense.

He's an elite jumpshooter from 15 feet+ so he should hopefully convert his three point shots at a higher clip if his conditioning improves.

I have no doubt he'll come into camp in shape.
Question is, can he maintain the proper dietary discipline that he's lacked so far.

His diet has been his biggest enemy so far and it must change for him to be able to play 32-35 mins a game.

If he can keep the weight off and eat properly, leading to 32 mins per game, then yes he'll have a career year.

I think having Amir and Lee there will be AWESOME for Jared's professional development.

He's a guy who has the potential to be a top 10 power forward in the NBA and if he ever reaches that potential then this season will be crucial to his career mindset.

Eg: just training and eating with guys like Lee, Amir and IT will help him immensely. He'll be immersed/surrounded by younger vets with great work ethic/discipline and it should rub off on him.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Yes, with the caveat that he will likely fall short to Joey Chestnut this year. JC is just in a league of his own right now..

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2514944-nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-2015-matt-stonies-final-stats-and-prize-money

[2short]

Last year I feel both bass and ko outplayed him  .  Lee is by far our most talented offensive big, Amir best big defender, Lee and sully best rebounders.  I'm not sure how Stevens gets minutes spread around.  I see Kelly having breakout year and Lee playing his usual double double game