Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger receives ‘flop’ warning from NBA

Former Ohio State and current Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger is listed at 6-foot-9 and 260 pounds. Even if we assume that the measurements are accurate (I have my doubts), that is a massive human being that you wouldn’t assume would need to “flop” to make a defensive play in the NBA. However, that is apparently the exact nature of what Sullinger did on Tuesday night.

If you haven’t seen the play, you can click here to view the direct link, but Sullinger seemingly took a dive. In battling for a rebound against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, Sullinger flew the ground without any arm extension from Howard, and men the size of Sullinger simply don’t go down that way without some serious emphasis from the other side of the altercation.

To my knowledge, Sullinger hasn’t exactly garnered a reputation for “flopping”, but now, he’s on the NBA’s official watch list, and the next one will garner a monetary fine from the league. This season, Sullinger has been shockingly effective on the court, averaging 11.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game (20.66 PER) in just 21 minutes, and that’s really encouraging for his future.

There is no need to flop, Jared. No need at all.