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 Celtics do not plan to sign forwards Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller to contract extensions before today’s deadline, a league source said.
Both players would become restricted free agents at season’s end, giving the Celtics more salary cap flexibility next summer while also getting the rest of this year to evaluate the two players.
The Celtics were willing to consider extensions that made financial sense, but discussions between the team and the players’ representatives never gained much traction, a source said, because they remained far apart.
The market is being redefined by lucrative deals to mid-level players as well as the looming spike in the salary cap due to the league’s new television rights deal, which begins next season. So in addition to the Celtics looking to maintain their own financial flexibility, both Zeller and Sullinger could also put themselves in better position to cash in.
The Celtics still think highly of Sullinger and Zeller, though, and both could ultimately be a part of the franchise’s future.
Not much of a surprise here. Like every pending free agent, Sullinger and Zeller are dreaming about obscene numbers. Meanwhile, Danny Ainge isn’t going to break the bank on either player because a) they’re both restricted free agents so he could always match an offer, b) neither is a break the bank type player and c) Ainge wants to retain as much flexibility as a yoga instructor.
Sullinger is trending upwards, while Zeller is not:
Celtics coach Brad Stevens has expressed a desire to play only four big men each night, though he has used five in recent matchups, with Zeller drawing the short-minutes straw. Zeller also has struggled in his limited time, though Stevens vowed Sunday to find a way to get his only true center onto the floor.
Sullinger, on the other hand, has thrived with three-game averages of 9.3 points and six rebounds in 19.6 minutes. He’s shot 56.7 percent overall and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. The latter category received a significant boost from his 2-of-4 performance Sunday on 3-pointers.
Though Zeller has started every game, Sullinger has replaced the center as the second-half starter twice. That’s significant, considering the trouble the team has had due to slow starts. Sullinger has been able to boost the performance each time.
It’s silly to dissect the rotation three games into the season. Plus, we knew this was coming. There are too many guys vying for minutes.
Related links – CSNNE: Sullinger may be playing his way into Celtics plans |
On Page 2, David Lee’s defense is keeping him on the court?
A career 53.2 percent shooter from the field, Lee has connected on just 25 percent of his shots this season.
“It’s very frustrating,” Lee said after missing six of his seven shot attempts against San Antonio on Sunday. “It’s unfortunately one of the parts of the game you can’t control.”
Lee, known primarily as a scorer and rebounder, might want to thank his play defensively for keeping him on the floor so much.
Seriously.
In the first three games, Lee has a defensive rating of 88.6 which is tied with Marcus Smart for the best rating among players to see as much playing time as Lee or more.
I nearly fell out of my chair when I read the line about Lee’s defensive rating. Last year, Kawhi Leonard led the league with a 96.4 defensive rating. I know, it’s early. And if you want more perspective, Kelly Olynyk leads Boston with a DRTG of 78 and Avery Bradley is dead last with a 104.
But hell, Lee’s shooting is so bad, we need to celebrate something.
Related links – Globe – Lee not making excuses |
And finally, Steph Curry is ridiculous and the Warriors are slaughtering everyone.
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The Warriors moved to 4-0 with last night’s 50 point victory over Memphis. 50.
You can see Curry’s other circus shot here.
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