Cup of Joe. Sullinger's weight issues
REPORT: According to multiple sources, Jackie MacMullan is very, very good at her job. The latest proof? This excellent, in detailed look into Jared Sullinger's issues with weight. It's typical Jackie Mac. And by 'typical Jackie Mac' I mean it's a tremendous look into all sides of the issue to give the reader the best possible understanding of what's going on.
Why are you still reading this? Why haven't you clicked on her article yet? If you wanted to read about Sullinger's weight issues, you should click on that. Oh, maybe you're the type whose just looking for a quick taste first.
The Celtics asked him to report to training camp this past October at 260-265 pounds, but instead he showed up 20 pounds heavier and gained even more weight as the season progressed.Source: Jackie MacMullan, ESPN
In spite of the added bulk, Sullinger posted career-high numbers -- 14.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists. The results were at odds with the growing problem of his expanding physique, something Sullinger didn't fully recognize until he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot that ended his season.
It was then the Celtics sat him down and had Sullinger watch the footage of him lumbering up the floor and taking plays off to conserve his wind. His lack of conditioning was unacceptable, and if that didn't change, Ainge warned him, his career with the Celtics could be over.
Again, there's just a ton of great stuff in there and it's definitely worth a read. Sullinger definitely says a lot of the right things, but as MacMullan rightfully points out; this isn't the first time he's vowed to trim down.
It's important that he does, too. While his play this year didn't boom as much as many had hoped, when healthy Sullinger is one of the better power forwards in the league with a skill set that plays well with team's who are trying to play winning basketball. While Ainge's comments above might sound harsh, they're understandable; a team looking to rebuild can't afford to invest in a player whose health can't be relied on.
Start Your Morning Off With... Michael Carter Williams, just a bit outside
Vintage WTHHT: What the Hell Happened To... Greg Minor
authored by TB727
He was drafted by the Clippers (on behalf of the Pacers) with the 25th pick in the 1994 draft. But he was waived by the Pacers in October during training camp of that year, and 5 days later, swiftly signed by the Celtics.
In the same breath as Jimmy Oliver, I was looking for that player to fill the enormous void left from Reggie Lewis' passing. Minor I thought could be that guy. After getting little playing time early on in his rookie season with Boston, he exploded for 31 points against the Warriors in January of 1995. I thought that might be his breakout game. It never materialized that way. He also participated in the 1996 dunk contest, which would've given him some publicity. He finished in 3rd place.
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