Celtics knew Sullinger could need surgery on draft night

SB NATION
By Jeff Clark

Danny Ainge and the Celtics drafted Sullinger with eyes wide open about his back. It was worth the risk.

This news is a day or two old, but I didn't have the stomach to talk about rumors this morning. I am actually pretty encouraged by the news coming from Sullinger's agent (though admittedly it is usually going to have a positive spin coming from his agent, but still...).

Apparently the Celtics went into this whole situation with eyes wide open. That makes sense, after all. He slipped in the draft for good reason and the Celtics were going high risk, high reward at that spot in the draft. Especially when they had an additional pick immediately after.

Jared Sullinger’s agent: Celtics understood rookie eventually would need surgery - Sports - Boston.com

"The Celtics knew when they drafted him there was a certain level of risk that required surgery, as did several other teams," said Falk. "Some teams treated it like he was going to have a heart attack or something. [The Celtics’] Brian McKeon is one of the most confident team doctors I’ve ever dealt with. There were no secrets, nobody was trying to hide any facts. There was a possibility that he could require surgery, but the recovery time is less than an ACL."

So it sounds like Sullinger will be available by around training camp next year. In fact, according to one doctor, he might be much better off now.

Doctor: Surgery should help Sullinger

"If it's a straightforward disc, which is what it sounds like from the reports, then yeah, it could make him feel much more comfortable out there and he may have no further issues in the future," Rockett told Gary Tanguay on 'Sports Sunday'. When asked by Tanguay if Sullinger's weight could hamper his rehab, Rockett said: "Any time you do a disc surgery there is a risk of degeneration in the future, many years in the future. [Add into that] a few extra pounds and that can lead to degenerative changes, which are sort of arthritic changes. But hopefully we won't be seeing those for a long time to come.'

So like any injury, there's a risk of further injury in the future. But he's got the best trainers that money can buy that will keep him in shape and watch his condition. It helps too, that he's a bright young lad that will most assuredly take the right steps to get himself right. Especially since he'll be working towards his first non-rookie contract.

It hurts to lose Jared this year, but I'm sure they made the wise and correct choice to have the surgery rather than risk a larger injury. I'm encourage to hear that the procedure could very well make him less likely to have issues in the future. Based on a little over half a season, I'd say that future is still looking pretty bright.
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Jared Sullinger’s agent: Celtics understood rookie eventually would need surgery
By Gary Washburn Globe Staff

Jared Sullinger’s back surgery was something the Celtics were hoping to put off until the summer, according to his agent, David Falk.

Sullinger was flagged with back issues during an NBA pre-draft examination, causing him to drop to the Celtics with the 21st overall pick. Falk said Sullinger’s condition was corrected with Friday’s surgery, and he is expected to return to basketball activities in six months.

Sullinger was examined twice by a back specialist in Philadelphia prior to the draft.

“The Celtics knew when they drafted him there was a certain level of risk that required surgery, as did several other teams,” said Falk. “Some teams treated it like he was going to have a heart attack or something. [The Celtics’] Brian McKeon is one of the most confident team doctors I’ve ever dealt with. There were so secrets, nobody was trying to hide any facts. There was a possibility that he could require surgery, but the recovery time is less than an ACL.”

Falk said the Celtics could have delayed the surgery by giving Sullinger anti-inflammatories and treatment, but wanted to take the safer approach.

“Jared’s 20 years old, to try to take a short-term risk could jeopardize his career long term. Having surgery was the most appropriate response,” Falk said. “Had he tried to continue to play and aggravate it six or eight weeks down the road, he would have missed the playoffs and the start of the season. It was a calculated decision.”

Sullinger was released from the hospital on Saturday.

“I can’t tell you I’m glad this happened. I’m not,” Falk said. “I can’t say that I’m shocked that it happened, either. We all knew this was a very possible outcome. I think that if you really put everything in perspective, the Celtics, because of a medical situation, got a player who should have probably gone in the top five picks at 21. He has to take a step backward at this point and work really hard on his rehab, but he has [45] games under his belt and he’ll come back completely healthy with no concerns about his back.”
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CSNE

Doctor: Surgery should help Sullinger

Jared Sullinger made the right move in having back surgery immediately, thinks Dr. Sean Rockett of Orthopedics New England.

"If it's a straightforward disc, which is what it sounds like from the reports, then yeah, it could make him feel much more comfortable out there and he may have no further issues in the future," Rockett told Gary Tanguay on 'Sports Sunday'.

When asked by Tanguay if Sullinger's weight could hamper his rehab, Rockett said: "Any time you do a disc surgery there is a risk of degeneration in the future, many years in the future. [Add into that] a few extra pounds and that can lead to degenerative changes, which are sort of arthritic changes. But hopefully we won't be seeing those for a long time to come.'

And will he recover in time for the playoffs?

"I wouldn't bet on it, no."

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