The Celtics had a much lighter schedule this week in comparison to their last. This was much needed as they faced two of the Western Conference's super powers in the Spurs and OKC Thunder and finished off the week against the Orlando Magic. Up in Maine the Red Claws started their season off 2-0 thanks to contributions from both Joseph and Melo. In this Rookie Report we'll cover all three rookies in game performances and what they'll face in the coming week. 
Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) looks to pass the ball around Orlando Magic forward Glen Davis during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Iskowitz)

Jared Sullinger - As the Celtics matched up against two of the Western Conference's top teams one could expect Sullinger's minutes to see a slight drop. This did in fact occur at a minimal level against both teams. In their first game Sully played 20 minutes and shot 1-3 on the night finishing with 2 points. His biggest contribution came from his work on the glass grabbing 7 rebounds, an aspect of their game they've struggled with as of late. His inexperience was taken advantage of by future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan who had a huge game for the Spurs but that happened to almost all of our frontcourt.
After Thanksgiving the team matched up against the Thunder. This was a test for Sully as he was matched-up against both Serge Ibaka and former Celtic Kendrick Perkins. He tallied 14 minutes in the game and played well offensively going 4-6 for 8 points but just 3 rebounds. This was certainly a test for our top rookie and he  proved to be out matched at times on the defensive end. Ibaka didn't record any highlight plays but was able to score consistently with his jumper.

"They (Celtics) don't want me to just be sitting around," Joseph said. "Me, neither. I want to play; that's how you really get better. I know playing behind Paul Pierce and Jeff Green, there's just not going to be much of an opportunity for me to play right now. That doesn't mean I can't get any better. That's what the D-League is for me; a chance to keep working on my game, keep improving so that when that opportunity does come, I'll be ready."

Fab Melo - Just like Kris Joseph, Fab Melo also joined the Maine Red Claws starting line-up and helped contribute to the teams first two wins. Fab had a game to forget in the first game against the Canton Charge. Fab looked a little slow in the beginning but got it going as the game progressed. He finished with just 2 points and 1 rebound but he also blocked 4 shots in 20 minutes.

This was troublesome to most at first glance but once again keep in mind this is his first solid game situation minutes since Summer League play. Fab bounced back very nicely in the Claws second game being much more aggressive and active.  The team matched up against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and came away with their second win 117-112. Fab played well, he finished with 14 points on 7-10 shooting with 4 rebounds and 1 block in 17 minutes. 

One can only hope with future experience and conditioning Melo could develop into a Tyson Chandler-esqe player. I know that's a bold statement as Chandler is a former NBA champion and last years Defensive Player of the Year...Hence why I said -esqe player. Their styles seem to match in many ways. Both aren't standout offensive players but have superior length and can dunk anywhere near the rim. In fact, of Fab's 14 points, 12 of them came off dunks or alley-oops. He certainly has a long way to go and needs to focus on conditioning. At times he could be seen really dragging getting up and down the court. This must change if he hopes to play in the NBA as I guarantee Doc won't stand for it.

However, as I mentioned last week, if he can learn how to execute and defend the pick and roll he could turn into a great pick and roll player. Match that with Rondo's ability to run the pick and roll and we might be able to see big things in the years to come. Check out Fab's highlight reel from the team's second win below.

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