Celtics' Woes Continue: Jared Sullinger Out For Season After Having Back Surgery

[Built Ford Tough]

 

The Celtics say they saw this coming, that Jared Sullinger was going to need back surgery sooner or later. But when he reported having spasms earlier this week, specialists gave the team really only one option Friday: operate now.

 

It meant that Sullinger wouldn’t play again this season, but the benefit, the Celtics were told, was that Sullinger’s ailing back would likely be fixed permanently.

 

“The decision to do surgery with Jared was simply for the long-term benefit of his career,” said president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, before the Celtics tipped off against the Orlando Magic at the Garden.

 

Sullinger underwent successful lumbar disk surgery Friday at New England Baptist Hospital, under the direction of team physician Brian McKeon. Sullinger is expected to be out until training camp. The rookie forward out of Ohio State played in 45 games, averaging 6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.

 

Sullinger is the second Celtic — and the second key Celtic — to be lost in the last six days to a season-ending injury. Rajon Rondo’s season ended Sunday after it was revealed he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

 

Celtics president Danny Ainge said Jared Sullinger’s surgery will help in the long term.

“Those were two key guys who were a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish, but the season continues,” said forward Jeff Green. “Guys have just got to step up.”

 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/02/jared-sullinger-celtics-out-for-season-with-back-injury/kLW2TzSclazIAYzSLfWpmK/story.html

 

Not as big as the Rondo injury, but another blow to their depth. Sullinger was also playing his basketball averaging 7 and 7 in 23 minutes a night during January.

 

Celtics are probably going to have to start extending Garnett's minutes. He averaged over 30 for the first time all season in January and that number is probably going to increase to the 35 range now without Sullinger around.

[Check my Stats]

They need to throw this season away.  Its not worth breaking KG down anymore, he's signed past this year.  If you're in the lottery you're in the lottery.  Draft a decent player, or use it as a trade chip (surely Bradley+lotto pick can nab them a key piece under 30)  KG needs to "sprain his knee".  Unfortunately, don't think it is in his DNA.