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And yet, through six preseason games, Sullinger has stood out both for his on-court play — 11 points, 7 rebounds, 56 percent shooting in 25 minutes — and for his demeanor. His notoriously hard to impress veteran teammates have embraced him in a way that would seem impossible around these parts.
Have we forgotten that Rivers himself has been judged to be a coach who refuses to play rookies? The coach’s reply when that charge is brought up is always the same: Give me a young guy who can play and see what happens. Sullinger can play.
… What Sullinger brings to the starting lineup is points and rebounds. More specifically, as Rondo pointed out, he can get points without running the offense through him to get a shot. Sullinger moves well without the ball and has the touch and feel to score inside off passes and cuts. That skill alone will make Rondo’s drives to the basket far more dangerous.
WEEI – The case for starting Jared Sullinger
An excellent column by Paul Flannery. He spells out all the reasons why Jared Sullinger should start and, although I was hesitant to tinker with the core, I’m convinced.
Sullinger adds diversity to the starting 5. As Liam Neeson so eloquently said in Taken, “a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people…” Sullinger is far from a lethal weapon, but you get the point.
And this shouldn’t be taken as a knock on Brandon Bass. He brings a much needed element to the second unit:
During the preseason Bass has played well with the second group. If he comes into the game with Jason Terry and Jeff Green, he can run pick and pops and keep the floor spread for Green to drive to the basket or post-up. That has the makings of a very effective bench.
This entire plan goes to sh*t if Sullinger struggles on defense. As we’ve seen through Doc’s tenure, he has little tolerance for guys who don’t get it on D.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – The Quiet Truth: Paul Pierce primed | CSNNE – Lee rediscovers his championship caliber defense | Lee reaping sneaker benefits of sitting next to Rondo | Heinsohn likes Doc’s game plan | Herald – Lee helps coach cope | Globe – Lee also providing Celtics with defense | Grantland – League has already warned 10 players about flopping |
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