Jared Sullinger is dominating in China's CBA league
Former Celtics big man Jared Sullinger is absolutely destroying the competition for the Shenzhen Leopards in the Chinese Basketball League. Through three games, Sullinger is leading the league in both scoring and rebounds, averaging 47.3 points per game and 17.7 rebounds per. His stat lines in those first three games look like the numbers an NBA player would put up playing NBA2k with himself in the game:
Jared Sullinger made his debut in China in 114-96 loss to Guangdong:— Sportando (@Sportando) October 29, 2017
41 points
10 rebounds
Jared Sullinger in his 2nd game in China (W 117-105):— Sportando (@Sportando) November 1, 2017
46 points
25 rebounds
7 assists
2PT: 15/28
3PT: 3/7
FT: 7/9
61 efficiency
Jared Sullinger is UNSTOPPABLE in China. Third game in CBA (L 120-111):— Sportando (@Sportando) November 4, 2017
55 points
18 rebounds
2PT: 18/30
3PT: 4/9
FT: 7/7
His 55 points in game three is the highest scoring output in the young CBA season thus far. Sullinger signed a 2-month $300k contract with Shenzhen, which will keep him under contract through the end of December. At which point he will likely be vying for a return to the NBA.
There were mixed reports back in September about whether Sullinger spurred the Brooklyn Nets to play overseas in China, or whether the Nets simply chose to sign another former Celtics big man, Tyler Zeller, instead of him. My guess is the latter as clearly Sullinger wants to use his short time in the CBA to showcase himself for an NBA return. He's maximizing his opportunity right now, and don't be surprised when his name starts to pop up around the end of the year for teams looking to roll the dice on a guy who has demonstrated in the past that he has the ability to play at the NBA-level.
With the Celtics holding that $8.4 million player exception from losing Gordon Hayward in the lineup they'll be in a prime position to add the veteran big man and bolster the bench with some extra size and rebounding should they be enticed by his play overseas. He's obviously familiar with coach Brad Stevens and his system, so it wouldn't necessarily be a steep learning curve or the former Celtic.
Although given his choice to play in China where he could be more of a factor and focal point Sullinger may prefer an NBA team where he can carve out a bigger role than he'd be able to muster in Boston. Given the way the Celtics are playing right now Sullinger would likely be a depth addition and little more without injuries decimating the Celtics front court.
Photo Credit - GETTY Images
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