Sullinger recovering nicely from back surgery

It was unclear whether or not Sullinger would be able to play when camp started. He said he wasn't close to game shape on media day. We all know the headlines from this summer regarding Sully's personal legal problems. As it stands on the court right now, he seems to be impressing his new head coach Brad Stevens.

Boston Globe

“Pleasantly surprised at his motor, because I thought it was pretty good,” coach Brad Stevens said.

Sullinger felt the same way: surprised.

“Yes, very. I didn’t think I was going to make it through practice,” he said. “Being six months off and then trying to get back in the swing of things, that’s really, really tough.”

Still, Sullinger said he’s “not even close” when it comes to his conditioning. “I’m nowhere near where I need to be,” he said.

He also said he’s “very rusty.” With what? “Everything,” he said. “Timing, footwork, where I need to be on the court, just trying to figure out what I can do. I had back surgery, now I’ve got to modify some things and see what I can do well.”

Sullinger, who played in 45 games his rookie season, did say that he trusts his back and is at the point where he can move without worrying that he might reinjure it.

“I passed that point, mentally, in August,” he said. “The first time I got back on the court, I was really nervous about moving, but now, I’m taking charges again, moving.”

When viewing Sullinger on media day,he looked a bit over weight. His booty made headlines last season, so we know he's a bulky guy. Jared should be in the mix for a starting role with the Celtics.He's kind of at a disadvantage after having the last 6 months off. You know that Bass, Humphries, and rookie sensation Kelly Olynyk will be aiming to start this season.

Related Story- Jared Sullinger 'Not Close' To Game Shape

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