I hate to say I told you so, but I will go and ahead and say so. In a previous blog(http://thefrontofficenews.com/2013/10/30/the-return-of-jared-sullinger-part-2/) I noted that Jared Sullinger’s numbers would be similar to what they are this season. Sully is averaging 14.0 ppg to go along with 7.1 rebounds per game.
The 2nd year player for the Boston Celtics Jared Sullinger is turning heads this season. Many people are surprised by his play, but I don’t see why. Sully was a 2-time first team All-American at THE Ohio State, and only slipped in the NBA Draft due to concerns with an injured back.
Sully is not a 20-10 guy just yet, but he will be there in a year or so. The numbers that Sullinger is putting up this season may seem modest to most, but his impact on the floor is way bigger than his numbers show.
This season Sully is making his mark as one of the best big men in the Eastern Conference. With the ability to carve up people in the paint, and to have the ability to hit the three, Sully has been a force to be reckoned with. It’s funny to see people surprised like people didn’t know how good he could be.
A lot of fans, and people within the NBA focus on potential, athleticism, and size rather than basketball IQ, skill, and will to become a better player. I can bet you that players who have failed to reach their potential and only rely on athleticism has placed a lot of players, coaches and executives in the unemployment line.
What makes Sully so good, is that he is last of a dying breed. Yes he takes a few three pointers a game, but he does his damage in the paint. When being undersized you have to add a new wrinkle to your game to become successful. Sully is banging with guys that have 2-4 inches on a nightly basis, and is doing a great job at doing so.
In Sullinger’s career he has played in 69 games, and it appears that he gets better by the game. Last season Sully’s season ended prematurely due to a back injury, but this season he has raised his game to a new level.
Under new head coach Brad Stevens, Sullinger has become the most important player on the C’s. With All-NBA Point Guard Rajon Rondo out due to injury, Sullinger has been the catalyst for the Boston Celtics.
Without having a traditional point guard a lot of the Celtics offense goes through Sullinger. With a high basketball IQ, and a great feel for the game Sully has taken the load on his broad shoulders.
People envisioned the Celtics tanking this season, but they are currently sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division(Sorry Bill Simmons). Even though the Eastern Conference is perceived as a weak conference first place of your division place is first place at the end of the day. The C’s have been put in that position, because of the great coaching of Brad Stevens, and with the emergence of Jared Sullinger.
The NBA All-Star game is in February, and I believe if Sully keeps it up he can make a trip to New Orleans.
My Top 5 Reasons Why Jared Sullinger should be an All-Star:
Last year’s roster will need replacements: In the East, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, Jrue Holiday(Traded to the West), Brook Lopez, and Joakim Noah were all on last year’s roster, and it’s likely that they will not be on there this year. With seven potential spots being open it can give Sully a legit shot to make the roster.
Sullinger’s performance against top bigs in the NBA: In performances against LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Kevin Love, Sullinger has averaged 21.6 Points and 10.6 Rebs over five games against the names mentioned.
The Celtics are in first place: If the Celtics remain at the top of the Atlantic Division they should have at least one player in the All-Star game, and I believe Sully should be that pick.
Coaches select the reserves: The coaches generally do a better job at making selections than fans.
Imagine Boston Celtics without Sully: The Boston Celtics are 12-12 with Jared Sullinger, but without him on the floor they lose a lot in rebounding, scoring,and defensive rotations. Sullinger also leads the team when it comes to +/-.
This is just another day for Sully quieting doubters.The more people critique or have questions about his game he takes it to another level. Stephen A.Smith, Chad Ford, and the 20 teams that passed him in the draft are stuck scratching their heads.
I know Sullinger is a team player first, and he is more concerned about team goals rather than individual goals, but there is no hiding the fact that he may be on his way to stardom. Just think in the next three or four years from now how good No. 7 will be.
All in all if Sully isn’t selected as a NBA All-Star he is still having a great season, and will likely play in the Rising Stars Game, but if he does make the All-Star Game, I can say I told you so AGAIN.
