If you thought losing Rajon Rondo was a tough blow for the Celtics, wait until you get a load of this
Jared Sullinger wasnt selected for this years Rising Stars Challenge.
OK, so maybe (maybe!) thats not quite as bad, but still . . . come on. If anyone on this year's Celtics deserves that kind of recognition, it's Sullinger. He's the highlight of Boston's season. And it's hard to believe there are nine rookies more worthy of the Rising Stars roster.
Hell, Sully should make it on physique alone.
The Widowmaker is serious All-Star material.
Then again, when you look at the guys who did make the cut, the snub is somewhat understandable. You've got Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Dion Waiters, Bradley Beal, Andre Drummond, Harrison Barnes, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Alexey Shved, and Tyler Zeller. All nine are playing more minutes than Sully this season, all nine are averaging more points and the three post players on the roster (Davis, Drummond and Zeller) are all averaging more rebounds as well.
If there's one point of contention, it's Zeller. The UNC product is averaging 8.3 points and 6.2 boards over 27 minutes a night for the Cavs. Meanwhile, Sullinger averages 6.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in only 20 minutes. When you factor in Sully playing in a bigger market for a better team, I think he should have made it.
Boston Celtics
But here's the good news: He'll probably make it anyways.
I mean what would All-Star weekend be without at least a handful of players dropping out with injuries? We already saw it with Rondo, and it won't end there. Chances are that at least one of these nine rookies will turn an ankle or bang a knee over the next two and a half weeks.
Not that anyone is rooting for that to happen, but it's the nature of the game. And if the Rookies are in need of a replacement, you can bet the Sullinger will get the call.
Just in time for him and the Widowmaker to head off and make All-Star history.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine