Ainge again critical of Sullinger's weight: 'He's hurting the longevity of his career'

If Jared Sullinger needs any additional motivation for the 2015-16 season beyond it being a contract year, he can take a quick trip to his general manager's office.

Danny Ainge was once again critical of Sullinger on Thursday, highlighting concern with his power forward's weight issues. Listed at 280 pounds - 20 more than in 2013-14 - Sullinger suffered a stress fracture in his left foot this season, and while he returned ahead of schedule, Ainge is worried about Sullinger's long-term health at his current weight.

We've talked about this before; I hate harping on it. Jared wants to be in great shape. Jared puts his work in. I think he's in the process of trying to change his habits and get in the best shape of his career. I'm hopeful that he'll see the light. I know that's what he wants and I know that he does work at it. I'm a big fan of Jared's and I think he has a very very bright future, but I think that he's hurting the longevity of his career and his play now by not being in as good of shape as he can be in.

In his third season with the Boston Celtics after being selected with the No. 21 pick in 2012, Sullinger averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 27 minutes this year. Those numbers were somewhat disappointing, as he made few offensive strides from his sophomore season and still hasn't developed the 3-point shot the team has had him firing away with.

He was also limited to 58 games and has now missed 69 games over his three years in the league. Better conditioning could improve his ability to stay on the floor and his ability to defend quicker power forwards, something he may not have expected to have to do entering the league but something that now seems a firm part of his reality with Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller at center.

In late February, Ainge fingered Sullinger as the lone Celtic to miss his conditioning goals, and Sullinger responded by vowing to make changes in his life to ensure it's not an issue again.

Entering the final year of a rookie contract that will pay him $2.3 million next season, Sullinger has every incentive to enter the year in peak shape with restricted free agency looming in 2016.