Ainge On Sullinger: Conditioning Not Up To Celtics' Standards
BOSTON (CBS) -- Celtics forward Jared Sullinger has never been known for having the physique of an Adonis, and in fact, his rather large backside is his best asset in a lot of ways.
But his physique has come into question once again, with Sullinger out for the rest of the season with a foot injury. And it appears the Celtics are starting to get a little miffed with his conditioning.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Aigne joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Thursday for his weekly call into the show, and said Sullinger's conditioning is not on par with the team's standards.
"Jared and I have talked a lot about it over the last year. It's something we take great pride in with our players, and our players have really bought in to our program. I think every guy has met the goal they set in regards to strength and conditioning, body fat, weight, all the different things that our strength coaches do on a regular basis. Jared hasn't met his goals; he's not up to the standards he wants and the standards we think are in his best interest," said Ainge.
Ainge said he has spoken to Sullinger "many, many times" about the subject. He said it is ultimately up to Sullinger to get on track with his conditioning.
"I don't know the answer to that, and I think that's up to Jared. He has, in place for him, all the tools. It's a matter of him being able to do it," said Ainge.
Sullinger was Boston's leading scorer when he was sidelined for the rest of the season, averaging 14.4 points per game. He admitted on Wednesday that getting in better shape is something he hopes to accomplish as he recovers.
"Getting in better shape is going to be the biggest thing, just because stuff like this could reoccur," Sullinger told reporters. "And you don't want it to reoccur. I've just got to get in better shape."
