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.
Spending some rare time at center on Wednesday night, Jerebko scored a team-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go along with five rebounds and two assists over 21 minutes as the Celtics raced away from the New York Knicks in a 115-94 triumph.
“I didn’t really think about [playing center],” Jerebko said. Basketball Reference’s position estimate suggests he’s only played about 13 percent of his career minutes at the 5. “Me and Jae together, kind of small ball, we were switching everything, and we had everybody crashing the boards, just playing good basketball.”
With his ability to space the floor and shoot from beyond the arc, Jerebko has the potential to slide right into Stevens’ second-unit rotation, and his play will dictate exactly how much of an opportunity he’ll receive over the final two months of the season, particularly once Kelly Olynyk (ankle) returns.
Jerebko has plenty of motivation. He’s earning $4.5 million in the final year of a four-year, $18 million deal he inked with the Pistons in December 2011. His NBA future could hinge on his performance over the final two months with Boston.
Is Jonas Jerebko the next Jae Crowder? A guy viewed as a trade throw-in/salary match whose play pleasantly surprises fans? Possibly.
I care less about his ability to play center and more about his hustle and range (42% from 3 last season!). His defensive rebounding needs a lot of work, but it’s trending in the right direction.
It’s almost silly projecting players beyond this season, because until Danny Ainge lands the big fish, almost everyone is an asset first, player second.
I have another theory behind Jerebko’s long-distance barrage last night – the Ghost of Antoine Walker was in that #8 jersey.
Related: CSNNE – Jerebko a pleasant surprise
On Page 2, Jared Sullinger is tired of how he looks.
Looking ahead to what he needs to do, Sullinger said, “Little bit of everything, you know, change the physique, change the way I look. That’s the biggest thing is just change the way I look.
“I’m tired of looking on camera and just seeing how I look and seeing how I play during extended minutes. Conditioning’s going to be a big factor, but it’s just going to be hard, because all I can do is ride the bike. So we’re going to find ways. We’re going to find ways to get me in the best shape possible.
“Getting in better shape is going to be the biggest thing just because stuff like this could reoccur, and you don’t want it to reoccur. I’ve just got to get in better shape.
Sullinger noted that he fractured the fourth metatarsal on his right foot while in the ninth grade.
“I’ve been there before,” he said. “I’ve handled it before, and I know what it takes.”
Remember the Jared Sullinger looks slimmer and trimmer stories from August and September? Well, apparently the new fitness regime stopped during the regular season.
The whispers about Sullinger’s weight distribution problem resurfaced once a foot stress fracture ended his season. Sullinger addressed his conditioning prior to last night’s game and admitted it’s a major problem. During his weekly appearance on 98.5, Danny Ainge said Sullinger is the only player on the team who didn’t meet conditioning goals.
I have little patience for professional athletes who can’t stay in optimal shape. If people with 9-5 jobs can do it, why can’t you?
Tommy Heinsohn wonders if weight loss will hinder Sullinger’s effectiveness in the post. It’s not about losing weight, it’s about dropping the baby fat and adding muscle.
Related – Globe: Sullinger admits conditioning problems
And finally, Evan Turner joins Boston’s triple double club.
According to the Celtics, Turner is only the 10th player in team history to record a triple-double (a number that’s confirmed by Basketball Reference’s data, which only goes back to the 1985-86 season). Turner joins a group of luminaries that includes Jordan Crawford, Kevin Gamble, Ryan Gomes, Dennis Johnson and Robert Parish (all have one triple-double for Boston, according to Basketball Reference). The Celtics’ kings of triple-doubles are Larry Bird (69), Rajon Rondo (32), Antoine Walker (13) and Paul Pierce (10).
Bravo Evan Turner, bravo.
You’re painful to watch, but effective.
The rest of the links:
Herald – New Celtics find Answer | Turner finally hits triple double | CSNNE – Turner’s versatility on display | Stevens: Rondo will play well after suspension | Globe – Celtics defeat Knicks at Garden | Rondo suspended 1 game | Basketball Insider – Nelson plays for 3 teams in a month | ESPN Boston – Turner, Celtics rout Knicks |
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
