Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Boston Celtics announced today that, following further medical evaluation at the New England Baptist Hospital, it was determined that forward Jared Sullinger has sustained a left metatarsal stress fracture and will be out for the remainder of the 2014-15 regular season,” the Celtics announced.
On Feb. 19, Marc D’Amico of the Celtics’ official website noted the reaction is in the fourth metatarsal of Sullinger‘s left foot. The injury occurred during Boston’s last game before the All-Star break, a 89-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Sullinger finished the game with 17 points and 15 rebounds in 28 minutes, failing to show any outward signs of pain.
“It sucks, honestly. Especially with the type of push we’re trying to make,” Sullinger said at the time, courtesy of ESPN’s Chris Forsberg.
Bleacher Report – Jared Sullinger injuy: Update on Celtics star’s foot and return
Jared Sullinger, who’s averaging 14 points and 8 boards this year, is now out for the season with a broken foot. It’s still a bit foggy as to exactly when this happened (at some point during the Atlanta game before All Star break), but it certainly doesn’t help the chances that this team can enter the playoffs this season. I’m sure for Ainge, the playoff implications don’t mean anything, and they really shouldn’t at this stage in the rebuild. The bigger issue is obviously getting Sully healthy, but also addressing ways he can stay healthy. A foot injury can happen to anyone, considering the amount of pressure placed on the foot when leaping to shoot or contest shots. But there must be some thought, that Sullinger’s weight (somewhere around 260lbs) helped cause the injury. If Sullinger wants to not only improve, but stay on the court, he’s going to have to address the fact that he’s too heavy.
Moving forward, the Celtics should have Olynyk back soon, and Jonas Jerebko will be joining the team as well. As for other potential names, I’d doubt Ainge goes out of his way to add another big simply for the team’s short-term success. If Luigi Datome is eventually bought out, we’ll have an open roster spot. Maybe Ainge takes a look at a guy like Thomas Robinson. Other than that, it might get a bit thin up front these next two months.
Page 2: Isiah Thomas praises Isaiah Thomas
The man the young Isaiah has called a mentor believes his friend has landed in a perfect place — for a number of reasons.
“I think I was more excited than he was,” the 2000 Hall of Fame inductee told the Herald. “I called him first when I heard about the trade, and I told him, I said, ‘This is going to be great for you.’
“I told him, ‘There’s two historic organizations in the NBA — LA and Boston — and you’re getting a chance to play for one of them.’
“I told him he would love Danny (Ainge) and that he was going to be immersed in a basketball culture. I told him he was going to be around people who have won championships, who talk championship and understand championship. Not too many players are blessed with that opportunity to be around that environment. I mean, Cedric Maxwell is calling the games, and he was the MVP of The Finals. Tommy Heinsohn is doing their TV, and he’s in the Hall of Fame as a player and a coach. I told him, ‘You’re getting ready to be immersed in a basketball culture and tradition that you’ve never experienced before, and feel fortunate because it’s a wonderful opportunity. Embrace it.’”
Boston Herald – Isiah Thomas praises Celtics’ pickup of Isaiah Thomas
Maybe some people compare Isaiah’s solid career stats with his well-traveled career path, and assume that he’s not a good teammate. He’s had great success as a starter, so why did Sacramento let him walk? He’s been good this year off the bench for the Suns, so why did Phoenix trade him even after sending Dragic out? It’s difficult to tell why team’s aren’t interested in keeping him on a team. He probably wants to start, but so does the rest of the league (barring Larry Sanders). He’s short, but his numbers speak for his success, and there’s a large enough sample size to know that he’s a legitimate scorer at 5’9″.
Bringing him into Boston, and as Isiah mentions, a historic organization with hall of famers roaming around daily should be a good fit. Pairing him in the backcourt with Avery Bradley, someone he grew up with in Tacoma, WA, will be great for him as well. Regardless of if it’s in a starting role or sixth man, Thomas will see heavy minutes this year if he can maintain capable defense. We know this team goes through stretches of struggling to score the ball — and Thomas doesn’t need any help doing that.
There’s now a lot of cost-efficient potential in the C’s backcourt. If Young grows into a rotational player by the time next season comes around, the Celtics will have Smart, Young, Thomas, and Bradley all locked up through 2017-18. That’s a solid guard rotation that features four three-point shooters, two outstanding defenders, and a 5’9″ play maker when the offense gets stagnant. And for next season, that’ll only cost the Celtics a combined $19.8M.
Page 3: Austin Rivers(!) dropped 28 on the Kings last night
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do5r3wXlJh8]So much for Blake’s injury translating to a higher draft pick for us. Since he’s been out, the Clippers have gone 4-1. I suppose not all is lost yet, as their next six games include Memphis twice, Chicago, Portland, and Golden State.
As for Austin — four of those points came in the last twenty seconds of a blowout win, as he pick pocketed David Stockton twice in his first NBA game. I guess there’s no holding back when you’re a lottery pick bust trying to make it.
And ICYMI: Old friend Kendrick Perkins is signing with…the Cavs
The Land welcome my bro as well as my muscle(LOL) @KendrickPerkins to the city with open arms! Happy and thrilled to have u aboard homie!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 21, 2015
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This seems strange at first glance, especially with Doc and old teammate Big Baby being an option in LA. But apparently James Posey is an assistant coach for the Cavs now, and was the one who convinced Perk to sign with Cleveland.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Unclear if Thomas will make Celtics debut against Lakers
Boston Herald – It’s a return ticket
Boston Globe – This is rookie James Young’s time
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