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Celtics Pick Up 2014-15 Option On Forward Jared Sullinger

BOSTON (CBS) -The Boston Celtics have exercised their contract option on forward Jared Sullinger for the 2014-15 season, the team announced on Friday.

Sullinger, who sat out Boston's season opener on Wednesday after being suspended by the team for one game, was drafted by the Celtics with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He played in 45 games as a rookie, averaging six points and  5.9 rebounds before missing the final 37 games with a back injury.

The 6-9 forward averaged 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds during the 2013 preseason, and is expected to make his season-debut Friday night when the Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks in their home opener.

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Sullinger was suspended by the team for the season opener following his off-season arrest for domestic abuse stemming from an August altercation with his girlfriend. Those charges were dropped earlier this week, but the team suspended him "because he failed to meet the high expectations we have for all Celtics employees," team president Danny Ainge said in a release.

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Sullinger is one of the many young players on the Celtics roster right now, and figures to be a key part of their rebuilding process.

Tune in to the Celtics on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the new radio home of the Boston Celtics!

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