Jared Sullinger, who promised in the spring that he would report to training camp in better shape ahead of his fourth season with the Boston Celtics, says he may not be where he wants to be physically but improvement has been made 

“You can’t really say,” responded Sullinger when asked if he met his physical goals this summer. “I haven’t played five-on-five in like three weeks, so you never know. There is a difference from being in the best shape that you can be practice-wise, and then there’s game shape. We’ll see when that happens. As far as me being where I want to be — I’m not there yet — but I’m closer than you would imagine.”

Sullinger went on to say he’s entering camp feeling better than he has in the past. His conditioning and weight have become a constant storyline in Boston since he was drafted 21st overall in 2012. He wouldn’t reveal how much weight he’s lost, saying only that it was “a good amount.” Sullinger is listed on the Celtics’ training camp roster at 280 pounds, his exact playing weight from the start of last season. 

The 23-year-old also revealed details about his offseason training sessions with John Lucas in Houston — which took place over a total of 11-plus weeks from June to September. His workouts with Lucas were the result of an intervention of sorts held by his agent, David Falk, and close family members. Falk flew into Columbus, seemingly at random early in the offseason, kicking off the conversation.

“Next thing you know in walks my mom, my dad, my brother Julian, Falk, Danielle Cantor and this bald-headed guy by the name of John Lucas,” Sullinger said. “He personally told me that I have all the talent in the world, but I forgot what working hard is. For someone to come from Houston all the way to Columbus, Ohio, to stop whatever he was doing, meant he was there for me. That’s what made me go work out with him.”

Sullinger worked out with Lucas in various ways, even avoiding basketball altogether for stretches. One aspect of his game Lucas targeted was his habit of trailing plays to spot up for three pointers. 

“He stopped [a practice] at one point and told me to get my big [butt] on the block,” Sullinger said with a laugh. “He told me to stop trailing for jump shots and get on the block. I think that right there was my biggest wakeup call. He knows I can shoot the basketball, but he knows I need to be on the block more and get to the free threw line more."