RT @BindnerDylan: 2 years in a row of meeting @Jared_Sully0 pic.twitter.com/lc7IV81z4R
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) May 23, 2015
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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.
“I think it’s just, they want me to go one step further,” he said. “I think that’s what it is — one step further. That’s pretty much what I’m doing [this offseason], every day at Ohio State. I’m trying to push myself to be that guy, but also who I want to be. I’m slowly working on it and still pushing myself.”
He remained evasive on exactly what changes he has made, but suggested it’s been a sizable lifestyle overhaul, all with the hope of “being the guy that I know I can be.”
Sullinger, who is set to earn a modest $2.3 million next season, is extension-eligible this summer. Both the Celtics and Sullinger’s camp have hinted that contract talks are more likely to occur next summer, when Sullinger would be headed toward restricted free agency.
“Right now, everyone is doubting me,” Sullinger said. “I get everything, ‘He’s not this, he’s not that. He’s not the guy that we thought he was going to be, potentially.’ I’ve heard it all. I use it as motivation. Nothing is going to change [with his approach], I’m going to keep working, working as hard as possible.”
Jared Sullinger looks noticeably slimmer than he did in May 2014, but we’ve been down this road before.
We chronicled Sullinger’s weight loss in August and September of 2014. And then we learned that Sully ballooned up to 300 lbs at some point during last season.
Jared hints at a lifestyle change and that’s the only way he’s going to beat the weight issue.
Next season is make-or-break for Sullinger in Boston. His restricted-free-agent status coincides with the team’s unprecedented salary cap flexibility. Over the next two off-seasons, Danny Ainge is going to make long-term investments in players that will shape this roster for the future.
If Sullinger can get his act together, then he’ll likely earn a spot.
On Page 2, Jackie MacMullan lobbies for Khris Middleton.
“The Celtics can’t afford to wait. They’ve got to get someone this summer,” Jackie MacMullan said, “and I don’t know that they have to get LaMarcus Aldridge — of course, that would be lovely — but maybe you go for Wesley Matthews Jr. and decide, if you he’s coming off that injury, if he’s healthy enough.”
MacMullan suggested Khris Middleton, who had an outstanding season from the advanced statistics standpoint. Tobias Harris is another player that could be considered.
“The Celtics don’t want DeMarre Carroll,” MacMullan said. “They want the next DeMarre Carroll — they want to discover DeMarre Carroll, and get value for that.”
Just like any GM, Danny Ainge wants value guys. I’d say Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder are value guys. Fortunately, the C’s have money to spend and aren’t restricted to value guys.
I don’t know much about Khris Middleton but he’s becoming a hot name for teams interested in RFAs. If the Magic hire Scott Skiles, there’s speculation Tobias Harris will bolt Orlando because those two didn’t get along in Milwaukee.
File under: 2 more guys the Celtics might consider signing.
And finally, Steph Curry is ridiculous.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KQJl5a6Uw]If you’re not watching the WCF, you are missing some beautiful basketball by Steph Curry.
I’ve come to expect the torrid 3 point shooting, but those floaters?
Nasty.
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