Sullinger expects to be 100 percent by training camp
News: Celtics forward Jared Sullinger had a promising rookie season cut short by back surgery, but he expects to be fully healed by the time the team begins prepping for his sophomore season. He told the Boston Herald he is not rushing through recovery from his February surgery, to avoid any potential setbacks. "Everyone says (the word) back with a question mark, but you might as well put an X through that," he said. "I had surgery, I’m taking my time so there won’t be any recurring injuries." Sullinger detailed his rehabilitation process as well, noting he expects to be healed by the start of training camp. "It’s a 10-week process," he said. "Every two weeks we bump it up 10 percent. September, October I’ll be 100 percent to go. I met with the doctor about 10 weeks ago and he said it’s a full go."
Analysis: Sullinger averaged just 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 45 games before the injury, but that was in just 19.8 minutes per game. The team's first-round pick from last season is expected to be a big part of their plans moving forward, but the team's roster is up in the air with a number of veterans possibly on the way out this offseason. If Sullinger proves healthy and snags a role that gives him 30-plus minutes, he could emerge as a useful Fantasy option in his second season. However, with the injury risk hanging over him, Fantasy owners should avoid looking his way until the later rounds on Draft Day.
News: Boston rookie forward Jared Sullinger is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a troublesome back issue that required surgery, Yahoo! Sports reports. Sullinger departed last Wednesday's game against Sacramento because of back spasms and was unable to return after logging just four minutes. According to ESPN.com, he underwent successful lumbar disc surgery Friday and is expected to ready for the start of training camp next season. He becomes the second Celtics player lost for the season as Rajon Rondo went down with a torn ACL.
Analysis: Sullinger was averaging 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during his first venture in the NBA, and had also just been added to the starting lineup. But the 20-year-old could be facing an extensive recovery as he also dealt with back problems in college that resulted in his draft stock tumbling last year. Brandon Bass will likely take over his spot in the lineup, and Fantasy owners in seasonal formats should cut him at this point.
News: Celtics coach Doc Rivers said forward Jared Sullinger's chances of playing Friday vs. Orlando are "50-50" after he did not practice Thursday. Sullinger left Wednesday's game due to back spasms. “I don’t think it’s anything bad. Just spasms, which are bad," Rivers said.
Analysis: This is an unfortunate setback for Sullinger, who recently moved into the starting lineup. However, his numbers haven't been great as a starter, so his Fantasy value still remains low. Sullinger went later than expected in the NBA draft because of concerns with his back, so the fact he is starting to have back issues is concerning. Though, the Celtics don't seem overly concerned about his latest setback.
News: Boston power forward Jared Sullinger left Wednesday's game against Sacramento due to back spasms and could not return. Sullinger started and played just four minutes in the game before getting injured. He did not take a shot and finished with one rebound in the contest.
Analysis: The 20-year-old rookie from Ohio State has been starting recently and playing well. That said, he gives Fantasy owners a cheap source of rebounding from the power forward position at this point in his young career. Outside of that, however, Sullinger's value is low, when healthy.
News: Boston power forward Jared Sullinger got the start over Brandon Bass on Sunday versus Miami, reports the team's official site. Sullinger played 24 minutes in his last game Friday at Atlanta and failed to score with five rebounds and two steals. He was 0 for 3 from the field in that game. "More just because Jared is playing well," coach Doc Rivers told reporters about moving the rookie into the starting lineup. "Honestly I don’t love it because I worry about our bench. Our bench has been off the charts and that may affect them, but we’re doing it because he’s playing so well."
Analysis: Sullinger didn't exactly play well his last time out but the rookie out of Ohio State still got the start Sunday. He's averaging 6.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and half a block per game over his last five and those are improvements on his season's numbers. Sullinger, if he continues to start, can be active in very deep Fantasy formats right now.
News: Boston forward Jared Sullinger recorded a double-double on Tuesday night in a losing effort at Cleveland. Sullinger came off the bench and was very active for the Celtics over 26 minutes. He went 5 for 11 from the field and 2 for 2 from the line to score 12 points. He grabbed 10 rebounds and added a block in the performance.
Analysis: Sullinger doesn't generally post double figures in scoring as he's averaging just under seven points per game on the season. He's bringing home nearly seven boards, however, and that gives him some value in deeper Fantasy formats. The 20-year-old has plenty of upside but should only be active in deeper formats right now.
News: Celtics power forward Jared Sullinger did not have his finest scoring performance on Friday night against the Bulls but was able to make a difference on the boards. He finished with seven points and 15 rebounds -- with five coming on the offensive glass -- in the 100-99 overtime loss. He went 3 for 8 from the field, missing his lone attempt from downtown, and made his only free throw. Sullinger also posted a steal while playing 38 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Sullinger continues to turn up his play for the Celtics as he is averaging nine points with 9.8 rebounds in the previous five contests. He is also shooting close to 63 percent during that stretch while playing around 28 minutes per game. The Celtics are very high on the 20-year-old and should continue to give him decent playing time so keep an eye on his progress. Sullinger is worth a look in deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Celtics rookie forward Jared Sullinger's two-game double-double streak came to an end during Monday's contest against the Bobcats. Sullinger, who had averaged 13 points and 13.5 rebounds over his last two games, finished with eight points and five boards in the 100-89 win. He did make all five of his field-goal attempts and also added one block to his stat line while logging 22 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Sullinger has been playing much better of late as he is averaging a solid 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last five games on 68.6 percent shooting from the field. He has been seeing around 25 minutes per night during his recent hot stretch and seems to be finally learning how to compete at this level. While his overall game remains a bit raw, Sullinger has been productive enough to use as a low-end option in deeper formats moving forward.
News: Celtics power forward Jared Sullinger recorded his second career double-double on Wednesday night against the Suns. The rookie scored 12 points and hauled in 16 rebounds -- with five coming on the offensive glass -- in the 87-79 win. He went 6 for 10 from the field while playing 34 minutes off the bench. Sullinger also posted three assists, a steal and a block in the victory.
Analysis: Sullinger had one of the better performances of his young career Wednesday and has shown some intriguing upside in Fantasy of late. While his minutes continue to fluctuate, he is averaging 7.8 points with nine rebounds in the last five contests and is shooting 44 percent over that span. The Celtics think the 20-year-old could become a solid producer down the line so keep an eye on his progress. Sullinger remains more of a low-end option in deeper Fantasy formats at this point, however.
News: Celtics rookie center Jared Sullinger turned in a solid rebounding performance during Friday's contest against the Pacers. Sullinger was held to just seven points off the bench on 2 of 7 shooting from the field, but managed to pick up 10 boards in a 94-75 victory. He also converted 3 of 6 free throws and added an assist and a blocked shot while logging 30 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Sullinger has managed double-digit scoring in three of his last six games and has proven to be one of the better offensive options, especially down low, off the bench for Boston. He's averaged 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game over his last six contests while shooting 51.4 percent (18 for 35) from the field over that stretch. Still, Sullinger does not see many chances to put up points and should remain as a low-end Fantasy option in most formats heading into Week 11 (Jan. 7-13).
News: Celtics center Jared Sullinger was a rare bright spot in Saturday’s 101-83 loss to the Warriors. In 25 minutes off the bench, Sullinger scored 12 points on 6 of 8 shooting, while grabbing eight rebounds. This is the second time in three games that Sullinger has reached double figures in scoring.
Analysis: Sullinger might not be able to give Boston the defensive presence they want in the middle, but he is clearly one of the better offensive options on the offensively-challenged roster. Sullinger is shooting 49.6 percent from the field, but is getting very few chances to put up points. If the rookie gets more playing time, he could put up decent numbers for a center, but he remains just a low-end option in most Fantasy formats.
News: Celtics power forward Jared Sullinger continued his scoring woes on Tuesday night against the Bulls. He finished with just one point in 16 minutes off the bench in the 100-89 loss. He missed all six of his shots from the field and went 1 for 2 from the charity stripe. Sullinger also posted three rebounds, a block and an assist in the defeat.
Analysis: After impressing during the summer league, Sullinger has scored in double figures just three times through 24 games and has a long way to go before becoming a viable option in Fantasy. His role in Boston also limits his appeal so leave the 20-year-old for the deepest of formats at this point.
News: Celtics rookie center Jared Sullinger was held to single digits in scoring for the fourth game in a row Wednesday against the Timberwolves. Sullinger scored seven points on 1 of 3 shooting, while going 5 of 6 at the free-throw line. He did add seven rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes, in a 104-94 win.
Analysis: Sullinger scored in double figures three times in a span of five games a few weeks ago, but he has been held to a minimal impact otherwise. At this point, Fantasy owners should expect Sullinger to have a limited role in the offense while he continues to come off the bench. For now, he remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper than anything else.
News: Celtics forward Jared Sullinger fell below double-figures in scoring for the second game in a row Friday against the Thunder, as he continues to see sporadic playing time as a rookie. He shot 4 of 6 from the field in just 14 minutes, putting in eight points. He added three rebounds, an assists and a steal in the 108-100 win.
Analysis: Sullinger has scored in double figures in just two of 13 games this season, a disappointing showing for a player that was known more for his offensive prowess in college. He is shooting 53.8 percent from the field, so we know he can get it done. For now, Sullinger’s limited role makes relying on him in most Fantasy formats difficult to recommend.
News: Boston power forward Jared Sullinger was given 16 minutes on the court in a win over Utah Wednesday. Sullinger scored two points as he scored on his only shot attempt. He grabbed two rebounds during the game but did commit three personal fouls.
Analysis: Sullinger hasn't scored more than four points in any of his last five games and his high for rebounds over that span is just four. Sullinger has a bright future but is not yet a viable Fantasy option outside the very deepest of leagues and in rookie formats.
News: Boston power forward Jared Sullinger continued to start on Wednesday against the Wizards. Sullinger is starting over Brandon Bass, but it was Bass who performed better and was on the floor during crunch time. Sullinger scored four points over 24 minutes on 2 of 5 shooting for the Celtics. He grabbed four rebounds and added a block for Boston.
Analysis: The rookie Sullinger is starting but has scored just 16 points all season for the Celtics. He is rebounding and blocking shots in limited minutes, but Sullinger is not yet a worthy Fantasy option in most formats. It definitely seems as though the Celtics are willing to let him learn on the fly, however.
News: Boston power forward Jared Sullinger played well off the bench Friday in a loss to the Bucks. Sullinger scored six points and grabbed seven rebounds with a block over 18 minutes. He shot 2 of 5 from the field and chipped in with a steal.
Analysis: Sullinger, the rookie out of Ohio State, has scored eight points combined in his first two games. He should continue to see more time and has growing Fantasy value. For now, however, he should only be active in the very deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Despite his penchant for not playing rookies, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he could use multiple starting lineups this season, which would include first-year power forward Jared Sullinger. In six preseason games, including five starts, Sullinger has registered 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest. "He doesn’t think like a rookie. He thinks like a veteran," Rivers told WEEI.com. "He plays at a great pace. He’s one of our best rebounders. He can pass the ball. He does a lot of things that help our team so we just want to keep moving guys around."
Analysis: Sullinger is currently slotted behind Brandon Bass at the power forward position on the Celtics' depth chart as Kevin Garnett will occupy the center spot this year. The 20-year-old has impressed coaches and teammates with his basketball knowledge and has scored double-digits in each of his past three preseason outings. "He’s probably the smartest rookie we’ve had since I’ve been here," guard Rajon Rondo said. "High basketball IQ and he’s very unselfish. He doesn’t need a play called for him. He’s been getting his points off the dirty work." A spot in the starting lineup could be a boon for Sullinger and he is certainly worth a flier in deeper Fantasy formats as he could out-produce Bass.
