NBA Draft Predictions: Best Fits for Jared Sullinger Late in First Round
Jared Sullinger has seen his NBA draft stock plummet over the past few months and the former Ohio State star now finds himself as a mid to late first-rounder as opposed to the top-10 pick he once was.
It's gotten so bad, as a result of possible back issues, that Sullinger wasn't even invited to the draft on Thursday night thanks to his ever-falling stock, according to Andy Katz of ESPN.com.
Now that he's locked into a new fate, let's take a look at the best fits for Sullinger in this year's draft.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
I highly doubt Sullinger makes it past this pick, but after how far he's fallen, I guess anything is possible.
Rumors have been swirling, according to Tom Moore of Calkins Newspapers, that the Sixers will take Sullinger at No. 15 and why not? They're lucky to have a shot at him in the first place.
It's no secret that Philly was sorely lacking offensive punch and while they have a ton of nice players filling out their roster, they need a true scorer. Sullinger's status as such in the NBA is still unknown, but he is easily their best bet this late in the first round.
Elton Brand isn't getting any younger and with that being the case, Sullinger might have an opening to be this team's starting power forward either right away, or at the very least, some time down the road.
19. Orlando Magic
If Orlando wanted to get on the road to keeping Dwight Howard in Orlando, they should definitely take a chance on picking Sullinger. But the Magic wouldn't necessarily be taking a chance on Sullinger this late considering the forward's former status as a lottery pick.
Next to a defensive talent like Howard, Sullinger's offensive potential would go along nicely with D12. The Magic would have a nice mix of size, offense and defense with Sullinger and Howard next to each other.
Not to mention, Sullinger could help stretch opposing defenses and take some pressure off Howard's low-post game. If Sullinger turns out to be the offensive player many thought he could be, this would be one nightmare matchup scenario for coaches around the league.
With little wiggle room for Orlando, Sullinger might be the best chance the Magic have to surround Howard with enough talent to convince him to stay. If not, the rebuilding process could legitimately begin around Sullinger, which goes to show you just how much of a steal he would be at No. 19.
21. Boston Celtics
With two picks in the first round, the Celtics would be absolutely giddy if Sullinger fell to them at No. 21. The future of the big three in Boston is still uncertain and will remain that way when draft day comes, but the addition of Sullinger would give the Celtics some much needed youth right away.
Sullinger could find his way into the starting five and if the Celtics bring back Kevin Garnett, Sullinger would be the perfect complement to the future Hall of Famer. Sullinger would be the offensive weapon next to a solid defender like KG and what better mentor could Sullinger ever ask for on both sides of the ball?
If it's the bench that his future holds, he would be a great asset for a roster that needs some depth. The Celts will be looking to add some fire power off the bench and Sullinger could certainly oblige. That's not to say Sullinger would be a career backup, but as a rookie, he might have to earn the respect to become a starter. Also, a lesser role would take a ton of pressure off the youngster.
Playing with Rajon Rondo would be hugely beneficial for the future first-rounder. Rondo's status as an elite distributor in the NBA would help make it easier for Sullinger to put points on the board while he is still learning his way in the league. It's safe to say if anyone can get the full offensive potential out of the big man right away, Rondo is just the guy to do it.
