Jared Sullinger shedding pounds, hopes to get back in NBA

One of Jared Sullinger's greatest enemies over the past few NBA seasons has been himself, with his poor physique playing a large part in why multiple teams have passed on him.

"I lost a year of basketball directly because of what I have done — my weight and my eating habits," the 25-year-old big man told The Columbus Dispatch's Rob Oller.

Sullinger suited up in all but one game for the Boston Celtics in 2015-16, eventually leaving that summer after the organization withdrew their qualifying offer making him an unrestricted free agent. Despite his consistent role on a winning team, Sullinger was admittedly in horrible shape.

"My biggest was 320, when I was finishing my fourth year with Boston," he said. "Honestly, it was embarrassing."

Sullinger made only 11 appearances with the Toronto Raptors the following season after suffering an injury to his left foot. Toronto dealt him prior to the trade deadline to the Phoenix Suns, who released him just days later.

Still without having claimed a roster spot, the former 21st overall pick has embraced a vegan diet to help him shed weight, telling Oller that he's down to about 285 pounds.

The temptations will always be there, but if he wants back in the league, Sullinger knows he'll have to be fully committed to a healthier lifestyle.

"Now that I have basketball and my health, I don’t give a damn about anything else," he said.