More proof that Jared Sullinger is sliding on NBA teams' draft boards came Monday when ESPN.com reported, and Sullinger's father confirmed, that the NBA has not invited the former Ohio State All-American to the "green room" for Thursday night's draft in Newark, N.J.
NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson told the website that, based on information the league has received from teams, Sullinger will not be among the top 15 players drafted.
"He's more likely to go in the teens or in the 20s," Jackson said. "We continue to have contact with teams, but at this late date, we don't anticipate inviting him."
ESPN.com reported last Monday that NBA doctors had medically flagged Sullinger because of unspecified concerns about his back, in which he suffered spasms and missed two games last season.
The 6-foot-9, 268-pound power forward was rated a top-10 pick at the time. Since then, he has fallen into the 20s in some mock drafts.
Sullinger is working out Monday in Detroit with the Pistons, who have the ninth pick in the draft. His father, Satch, told ESPN.com that Jared's scheduled workout in Cleveland on Friday was canceled because the Cavaliers have the fourth pick and the Sullinger camp did not think he will be selected that high.
The Cavs also choose 24th, but there has been speculation that Sullinger will fall no farther than 21st or 22nd, where the Boston Celtics have both picks. The Celtics are rumored to have interest in him there, especially with an additional pick to mitigate the possibility of Sullinger's back affecting his production as a rookie.
Sullinger's agent, David Falk, later clarified to The Dispatch that Jared's workout with the Cavs was "postponed" because Sullinger had an appointment with his spine specialist. Falk said he is attempting to reschedule the workout in Cleveland.
