Jared Sullinger

[Celticsfan2007]

Does anyone see this guy starting on opening night against Miami?

I found it interesting too see him get the nod over Bass (and even Green) this weekend. Doc doesn't really have a great track record of playing Rookies big minutes or even meaningful ones for that matter, but he seems to be giving him alot of respect early on in camp.

[Corey]

Doubt it, but who knows..

I love everything about him, but I'm not going to overreact to a couple games against soft euro bigs.

[Superdude]

Sully was a top lotto pick that fell due to supposed back problems. He will have an impact.

[xk4]

They both play well off of Rondo, doesn't matter who starts

The major concern for me is who has to play with backup point guard. If it's Jamar Smith, whoever comes off the bench is screwed

[Rain City]

talk about a gift sully is, huge value where he was picked and fits in like a glove.

He will allow us to not overuse Bass like we were down the stretch last year and will not see much, if any drop off when subbed in. He really picks things up quick and i think will allow us to argue for him to start at times. I see some double doubles and a 20pt game or 2, to go with steady play.

I can see why scouts questioned his athleticism, i think vs Mia, you might give Green more minutes at PF..... but the games i have seen so far, have not seem him wince or grab his back once.

Good point xk4, bc i think if there is drop off at PF its when Rondo is out, something Doc will have to work on.

[bbd24]

He's capable of starting. I want to see more on defense though. His feel for the game overall could put him in a position to start right away. Perfect fit for this team.

[bbd24]

They both play well off of Rondo, doesn't matter who starts

The major concern for me is who has to play with backup point guard. If it's Jamar Smith, whoever comes off the bench is screwed

I'd run a 3 guard rotation until Bradley comes back. When Rondo is out, Terry brings the ball up with Lee at the 2. Lee can occasionally bring the ball up as well depending on the matchup(s).

Rondo plays so many minutes that I don't see it as a problem going forward. I don't see Smith getting much run at this point, unless theres foul trouble.

[Polish Post]

Bass earned his spot as a starter. Don't read anything into pre-season. Doc gives these kids drips and drops of pressure to see how they react. Sully is nowhere near ready to start in the NBA.

[bbd24]

Bass earned his spot as a starter. Don't read anything into pre-season. Doc gives these kids drips and drops of pressure to see how they react. Sully is nowhere near ready to start in the NBA.

"Nowhere near" ready ?

[Polish Post]

Sullinger has great instincts. He's probably gonna be a very good player and have a good career if he can stay on the court. But you can't account for the type of game speed, level of competition and more complex opposing offense/defense. Bass has that experience. By the end of the year who knows. He needs more game action before you can feel secure in starting him.

[bbd24]

Sullinger has great instincts. He's probably gonna be a very good player and have a good career if he can stay on the court. But you can't account for the type of game speed, level of competition and more complex opposing offense/defense. Bass has that experience. By the end of the year who knows. He needs more game action before you can feel secure in starting him.

All true. I just feel that he's pretty darn close to starting with this team based on his feel for the game. Defense against bigger opponents, etc. will be a learning lesson, but his offensive game is there. You can't double KG, Rondo, or Pierce because Sullinger knows exactly where to be for that easy dunk/layup if you do so. Guy is not rookie smart. He looks more Vet savy to me.

[Celticsfan2007]

Lets not forget that before J O'neal went down and KG emerged as our starting C that Bass was a very good backup PF off the bench (big babys old role).

Its not totally out of the realm of possibility to see either J. Green or Sullinger starting with Bass coming off the bench.

It all depends on where Doc thinks everyone fits best.

[Forever35]

Bass will do fine starting or coming off the bench...

I think Sully will thrive playing with the first unit...

[xk4]

I do like the combinations of KG/Sully and Darko/Bass. It gives you a shooter in both lineups, and a post player

[69centers]

Bass will start. Doc would never start a rookie unless there's an injury.

I do see Sullinger as being the steal of the draft, though. He should make an impact off the bench.