Boston Celtics power forward Jared Sullinger joins The Vertical this week to discuss his season with the Celtics and what it was like playing under head coach Brad Stevens. Jared also talks about what he feels his future plans are in the NBA as he heads into free agency. Chris is also joined by the Denver Nuggets GM Tim Connelly who talks about his journey to becoming a GM and what it was like working with Michael Jordan as one of his first jobs in the NBA. It's all here and more on The Vertical Podcast with Chris Mannix. Here are some key moments to listen for: Jared Sullinger 2:07: Was this season successful for the Celtics? 5:33: On the Celtics’ positive team chemistry. 6:26: Sullinger on the ups and downs of his season individually. 8:04: Why Sullinger took fewer 3s this season and his development as a shooter. 11:02: Sullinger’s conditioning during last season and his physical goals for next season. 14:13: His exit meeting with the Celtics and his relationship with Brad Stevens. 16:28: Sullinger’s priorities entering free agency. Tim Connelly 23:10: Connelly on how he got his entry into the professional basketball world. 27:44: On the role of timing and dumb luck in his rise to general manager. 30:53: Scouting teenagers and what Connelly looks for in prospects. 35:47: Can Connelly trust the evaluations of college coaches? 41:49: Connelly’s view on using analytics and combining it with old-school scouting. 44:55: Working for Michael Jordan with the Wizards. 53:15: Connelly’s approach entering the draft with three first-round picks. 57:03: Signing Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler to long-term deals and planning for the rising salary cap.

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