The Celtics’ Shamrock Foundation held their sixth annual “Teeing Up For Kids” event this morning in Milton, Ma. Danny Ainge was in attendance, and Chris Forsberg has notes and quotes from the event.
Ainge did not comment on any possible sanctions involving Jared Sullinger’s legal issues. He did however say that Sully will be at training camp when it opens next Tuesday, and that he is a guy the organization has “high hopes” for. Sullinger’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 28th, which is two days before the Celts’ first regular season game. Danny also noted that he does not believe this will be a distraction for Sullinger, and that Sully is “comfortable with where he is”.
As far as the roster goes, Ainge made it pretty clear that he and the coaching staff will be using camp & preseason to help them decide on any moves going forward:
“I wouldn’t say this is a team that you put up there and say, ‘OK, it’s a perfect mesh of players,’” said Ainge. “But I would like to see how they play together, who sorta wins jobs and opportunities, and just how players fit — mentally, emotionally, physically, how they mesh. And how they fit our system and [coach] Brad [Stevens’] style of play.”
The front court situation has been one of much discussion this offseason. Vitor Faverani is the only “true” center on the roster, and Ainge said today that we’ll see “Kelly and Jared playing together’ and that we may even see “Jared playing some 5, defensively.” Again, he stated that the C’s are still unsure of exactly who will be playing where right now. Olynyk, more notably, and Faverani have both been battling plantar fasciitis this offseason. Ainge spoke on the progress of each of the two big men:
“Kelly had some plantar fasciitis and a little back tightness,” said Ainge. “But he’s fine now, he’s playing, he’s working out everyday. He should be fine for training camp.” Another of Boston’s rookies — Brazilian center Vitor Faverani — is also battling the painful foot inflammation. “Vitor’s been working hard,” said Ainge. “He also has a little of plantar fasciitis, so he doesn’t do a lot of the extra conditioning. He does a lot where, he’s got his own conditioning, he doesn’t condition with the team as much. He has been playing, he’s a very talented player. And what we saw from Vitor, even before he got here, we have had no surprises.”
Avery Bradley obviously has been in the thoughts & hearts of all Celtics fans lately. Danny made the trip to Tacoma, Washington for the funeral of Bradley’s mother Alicia. Ainge said that AB “seems to be doing better” emotionally. He also mentioned that Bradley and his significant other celebrated the birth of their first child this morning. Danny said “we’ll call him AB3”. Check out Forsberg’s piece from earlier this morning for more from Danny on Avery and his contract situation.
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