BOSTONThe Boston Celtics suffered yet another blow with rookie forward Jared Sullinger undergoing back surgery at New England Baptist Hospital on Friday that will keep him out for the remainder of the 2012-2013 season.
Sullinger, whose draft stock took a major dip because teams were concerned about his back being a problem down the road, is expected to be healthy enough to resume play at the start of the 2013-2014 season.
"It's a tough blow, especially coming on the heels of Rajon's injury," said Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations. "Jared does something that ... he's been our best rebounder. He's a complete player and he'll be tough to replace."
While the need for Sullinger to have surgery wasn't determined until Friday morning, the C's had clues that his situation was trending in that direction.
Sullinger complained of some soreness in the back about 10 days ago, according to Ainge.
"But it went into spasms," Ainge said. "I don't think anyone expected that. I just think that the three doctors I talked with today felt this was the only option for us right now; the best option for sure was to surgically repair this that had worsened."
Added Rivers: "We knew this could happen. We knew it a month before the draft it could happen. We were hoping it would be a summer thing rather than middle of the season. But it happened now."
Rivers made it clear that knowing what they know now, they would still draft Sullinger with the No. 21 pick.
"The good news is we know he can play and he will be a very good player," Rivers said. "In the long run this will make him healthier."
Without Sullinger, Brandon Bass is back in the starting lineup and Chris Wilcox and Jason Collins will be the two primary bigs off the Celtics bench.