A handful of quick-hit thoughts after the Boston Celtics announced Sunday that third-year big man Jared Sullinger will miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season with a left foot fracture.

• Another injury-shortened season: This is the second of Sullinger's three NBA seasons cut short due to injury. The 22-year-old big man appeared in only 45 games as a rookie before a disk issue in his back required surgery. Sullinger returned to play 74 games last season, battling through a finger injury that affected his shooting at times. Now, the stress fracture will limit him to 51 games this season.

• No pressure to return: The team never declared a timeline for his injury, but even if there was a slight chance Sullinger could have worked his way back for the final weeks of the season, it makes far more sense to shut him down and let him patiently navigate the rehab process. Especially with a big man, there's little reason to rush an injury like this and turn it into a longer-term issue.

• Conditioning, weight: Sullinger is probably never going to undergo a Kevin Love-like body transformation and has often joked that his big backside helps him around the basket. That said, Sullinger's conditioning and weight have been scrutinized throughout his time in the NBA. Fair or not, observers will wonder if he needs to get in better shape to avoid the type of maladies that have shortened two of his seasons. With his focus now solely on the 2015-16 campaign, Sullinger has a chance to dedicate himself to getting in top shape over the next seven months.

• The contract extension: Here's maybe my biggest lingering question: How will Sullinger's injuries affect his contract negotiations moving forward? There's a line of thought that suggests the Celtics might be reluctant to examine a long-term extension this summer because of Sullinger's injuries. We would argue that Boston could also use the injuries as leverage in trying to keep the value of an extension at a reasonable rate. And would Sullinger, given his injuries, be more willing to accept a modest deal? Sullinger is set to earn $2.3 million next season but would be in line to be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2016, when the cap is set to surge with new TV dollars.

• #TeamLotto: The Celtics' playoff hopes have taken a hit with Sullinger's injury. Boston is losing its best remaining two-way player. Those on #TeamLotto will welcome the chance that the Celtics might pick up a few extra pingpong balls the rest of the way because of Sullinger's absence.

• Welcome, Mr. Jerebko: The Celtics likely will continue to lean on Tyler Zeller and Brandon Bass in starting roles, all while Kelly Olynyk works toward a return from an ankle injury. But there will be minutes available for another big who steps up. Jonas Jerebko, acquired Thursday from the Pistons, will get a real chance to showcase what he can do. You can't help but wonder if the team might be intrigued if another young big lands on the scrap heap as contenders tweak their rosters before the playoff push. Boston has plenty of space below the tax line but is currently at the 15-man roster limit.