Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger will require surgery
on his back that will end the rookie’s season, according to A. Sherrod Blakely
of CSN New England.
"It's a tough blow, especially coming on the heels of Rajon's injury," said Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations. "Jared does something that ... he's been our best rebounder. He's a complete player and he'll be tough to replace."
One of the main reasons the Celtics were able to select
Sullinger with the No. 21 pick in last year’s NBA draft is because teams knew
of his lingering back issues. Boston was aware that Sullinger was dealing with
a sore back, but the soreness turned to spasms this week, prompting team
doctors to call for surgery.
The good news for Boston is that Sullinger is expected to be
healthy enough to play at the start of next season.
The news of Sullinger’s season-ending injury comes on the
heels of Boston’s announcement that they’ll be without All-Star point guard
Rajon Rando for the remainder of the year.
Brandon Bass will replace Sullinger in the Celtics’ starting
lineup, while Chris Wilcox and Jason Collins will see more time off the bench.
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