Bad luck continues to strike against the Boston Celtics as they had to adjust to life without All-star point guard Rajon Rondo. On Friday the team announced that rookie Jared Sullinger will miss the rest of the season after having successful lumbar disc surgery. Sullinger, who was drafted by the Celtics with the 21st pick in the 20ll draft, had back problems during his college career at Ohio State that led to concerns about his durability as an NBA player. But despite the concerns, Celtics president Danny Ainge felt selecting Sullinger was worth the risk and through 45 games the rookie forward was one of the bright spots in an up and down season.
Sullinger left in the first quarter of Wednesday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings with back spasms and never returned.
Through his 45 games with the Celtics, the 6-9, 260-pound rookie averaged 6.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 19.8 minutes but it is his toughness and determination under the boards that the Celtics will surely miss as the team is already thin when it comes to big men.
According to Boston.com, the team does expect Sullinger to be ready to return by the beginning of next season’s training camp.
The team also announced that the teams other first round pick, rookie Center Fab Melo has been placed on the active list for the first time this season. The absence of Sullinger may give Melo more playing time with the club.
Fab Melo may appear in his first NBA game this season Friday night as the team is set to face the Orlando Magic.
The Boston Celtics will now have to adjust without the services of both Rondo and Sullinger for the rest of the season, but a season the players and the coach refuse to give up on.
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