Scal On Toucher & Rich: Up To Sullinger To Step Up To Ainge's Challenge
BOSTON (CBS) -- Danny Ainge did not hold back last week, with the Celtics president telling Toucher & Rich that Jared Sullinger's conditioning was not where the team wants it to be.
Sullinger is done for the year with a foot injury, the second time in his three NBA seasons his year has been cut short by injury. Ainge did not sound very pleased with his power forward, saying everyone on the team met their conditioning goals -- except for Sullinger.
The comments created quite a stir, and Sullinger's future with the team has been drawn into question. Former Celtic and TV analyst Brian Scalabrine joined Toucher & Rich on Monday morning, and said Sully better get his act together, because this is the only warning he'll get from Ainge.
"I really believe the landscape of the NBA continues to change. I believe general managers and presidents are more powerful, and Danny knows this," said Scalabrine. "He's saying to Sullinger, 'Get yourself in shape, get on board with what the rest of the team is doing, or we're going to ship you out of here.' And when Ainge says something like that, you better believe it."
Scalabrine likes what Sullinger brings to the Celtics when he's on the floor, but said it's really up to Sullinger whether or not he is a part of the team for the long run.
"Sullinger is an excellent basketball player. Whether his weight or conditioning had anything to do with him breaking his foot, or the stress fracture in his foot, we don't know. But it doesn't help. He wants to get paid and be an All Star, but the only way to do that is to play a full season without getting hurt," said Scal. "Danny is challenging him to step up, and if Sullinger does he'll be a part of this team. If he doesn't, he'll ship him out."
Scal also shares his thoughts on the acquisition of Isaiah Thomas, Boston's current roster and the pieces they'd need to become a contender:
