Jared Sullinger in familiar territory this offseason: 'Everyone is doubting me'

Call this triumvirate of somewhat disappointing NBA players the Ohio State Blackeyes: Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner, and Greg Oden are working out together this offseason.

While Oden's career path has been disappointing primarily due to injuries and Turner has developed into a decent option as a reserve guard or wing, Sullinger is facing a pivotal offseason that could shape his reputation moving forward. Next year is the final season on Sullinger's rookie contract, and with an extension unlikely this fall, he'll likely spend 2015-16 playing to impress ahead of restricted free agency.

The Boston Celtics big man enters the summer facing questions about his dedication, conditioning, and long-term viability as a pro in his current form. Having his game questioned is nothing new to Sullinger, who heard it all coming out of college.

And it only serves to fuel him, as he told Boston radio station 98.5 the Sports Hub on Saturday:

Everyone has questioned me before -- said I'm not the most athletic, not this guy, not that guy -- and every level I’ve proved them wrong. It's another chance for me to show my work. ...

Right now, everyone is doubting me. I get everything, 'He’s not this, he’s not that. He’s not the guy that we thought he was going to be, potentially.' I’ve heard it all. I use it as motivation. Nothing is going to change (with his approach), I’m going to keep working, working as hard as possible.

Sullinger took a slight statistical step forward in his third season but didn't make the strides the team was hoping for in terms of his 3-point shot or his conditioning. His fitness level is something general manager Danny Ainge has been openly critical of, and it likely contributed to a foot fracture that cost him 24 games late in the year.

In 58 games, Sullinger averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 28.3 percent on more than three 3-point attempts per game. Those shooting percentages aren't going to cut it for a frontcourt player who's a below-average defender, and the Celtics will surely consider upgrades this offseason, should they present themselves.

But the makings of a useful rotation players are there, and if Sullinger puts in the work, like he says, it wouldn't be all that surprising to see him take a step forward in his fourth season.