Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
When fans see him now, it’s obvious he has lost weight since the end of last season.
However, Sullinger’s weight loss hasn’t been enough to where he looks radically different body-wise than he has in the past.
That’s a good thing, folks.
One of Sullinger’s most endearing qualities, is having a large derriere that creates space for him to go to work offensively in addition to allowing him frequently to get in great position to rebound.
For undersized big men like Sullinger, he has to play a below-the-rim game in order to be effective.
That’s what worked for him in high school and later at Ohio State.
And while he has shown promise early on that those same skills can be effective in the NBA, his being in better shape while maintaining the qualities and assets that got him to the league, such as great rebounding instincts and a high basketball IQ, can only serve as the framework for a bright future for both Sullinger and the Celtics.
I’ve been tracking Jared Sullinger’s weight loss this summer and, like Sherrod, I believe he needs to maintain some thickness in the derriere.
Here’s the thing with Sully, no matter how much weight he loses, he’s not going to become athletic like Kenneth Faried. That’s not his style. He needs the mass. Sullinger can sculpt his upper body to improve his strength and conditioning but, because he can’t out jump defenders, he needs the rump to carve out space.
It’s a bit early for predictions, but I’m thinking Sully can average 17 ppg and 10 rpg.
On Page, James Young is ready for Rondo.
What is James Young looking forward to most during his rookie season with the Boston Celtics?
“Playing with [point guard Rajon] Rondo,” Young told the team’s official website during a recent video Q&A. “He’s a player I looked up to growing up, and he sees the floor very well and has a high IQ for the game. So just getting open with him and seeing if we have can have a good connection.”
Young and Rondo are both Kentucky products and Young is clearly eager to see if Rondo’s playmaking can generate some open looks at the NBA level.
Asked about his first interaction with Rondo, Young added: “I met him two days ago in the weight room. We talked a little bit, nothing too serious… and we had a chance to play with each other a little bit in the open gym.”
What can Rondo do for Young?
“By seeing me when I’m open at all times,” added Young. “He sees the floor very well, so I’ll just try to get open and he’ll deliver me the ball.”
I have a lot of questions about Young, starting with his position. Is he capable of logging time at SF? If so, I’d love to see him play behind Jeff Green (and ahead of Gerald Wallace).
If he’s a SG only, then he’s stuck in a crowded back court rotation. Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart will get a majority of the minutes.
Until Danny Ainge is able to pare down the roster (i.e. move Marcus Thornton) then I’m afraid Young will be relegated to the Development league. He’s better off there, then gathering dust on the bench.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Thornton could be boost off bench | ESPN – Will C’s be more watchable than we think? | WEEI – Tyler Zeller’s Celtics future | Georgetown University – Jeff Green at athletic center groundbreaking
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