Celtics forward Jared Sullinger has been keeping a diary for ESPNBoston.com this season. In his latest entry, he discusses how much he learned from Rajon Rondo, and talks about the many Celtics trades, the Patriots’ playoff run and a really good cause he’s involved with in Boston this week. (As told to Louise K. Cornetta)

Before we start talking basketball, I have to talk some football. I couldn’t watch the first half of my alma mater, Ohio State, in the national championship game because we were playing the Pelicans on Monday. I know I have a job to do and that’s to win as many games as possible for the Boston Celtics. So I wasn’t dying about not being able to see the game. But as soon as our game against the Pelicans was over, I was dying to get back to the locker room to see what happened. It felt so great to see them win the national championship, especially seeing a team like this playing their best football at just the right time. On top of that, having quarterback Cardale Jones really never complain that J.T. Barrett got the starting spot. He just was prepared and ready to take advantage when his time came. He certainly did take advantage of it!

Another big game that happened was, of course, the Patriots beating the Ravens in their playoff game. You can feel the buzz around the city of Boston with them in the playoffs. Ideally you want all four sports teams in the city to be making the city buzz by being in the playoffs. The Patriots are playing some their best ball. I grew up rooting for the Broncos, who didn’t do so well over the weekend. Now it’s time to turn all my attention to the Patriots and hopefully they can bring another championship home.

As for what’s been going on with us, there have been a lot of trades. Starting with [Rajon] Rondo’s, where, as a team, we figured it was coming because we had heard talk about it. We all have agents who keep you up to date, which is very helpful. So you know what’s happening with the team and you’re mentally prepared for it. It’s weird not to have a captain on the team any more, especially one who has been here through it all. Now he’s gone and playing for the Dallas Mavericks. The only thing you can say is that you’re happy for him.

So now I’ve started to become the last name announced during home games. That’s special to me when you consider all the guys here who have been introduced last like KG [Kevin Garnett], Paul Pierce and Rondo. When you think of all the greats who were announced last, it’s pretty amazing to be a part of that.

Next was the Brandan Wright trade. All I could really say to him was “Good luck.” Honestly, he was a great guy when he was here. A true pro’s pro. It was awesome to have him on the team.

Jared Sullinger says he learned a lot from former teammate Rajon Rondo: "He taught me to never let them see you sweat." Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

After that was the Jeff Green trade. We were close and that one hit a lot of people here, like Avery [Bradley], Evan Turner and me. You understand it’s a business and Jeff is in a better situation going to Memphis, where he’ll play more and play good basketball. You’re happy for somebody like Jeff to be in a situation where he can be the best he can be.

Last of the trades was the Jameer Nelson one. When you have a guy like that, you’re happy you got to be around a great pro. All those guys were great pros teaching and helping everybody, especially Jameer, as I learned a lot from him in the little time we played together. He taught me how to be a basketball player. In his short little stint, he was always telling me how much of a great basketball player I could be. He would teach me how to set screens and rolls. He would teach me like Rondo did when he was here. When Rondo left, Jameer came and took over that role.

I was able to learn from two different guys in Rondo and Jameer. One was a shooting point guard and the other a pass-first guard. I was able to learn the best of both worlds. But I would have to say the biggest lesson I ever learned from any player in my career so far is from Rondo. He taught me to never let them see you sweat. He said that you have to understand that this is a business. The more you complain or argue or disagree, the more you’re writing your ticket out of this league. At the end of the day, the coach is always right.

We added Jae Crowder to the team. He brings intensity. He’s a defensive-minded type of guy. He’s a good guy to have on your team. He’s going to play with a lot of energy. He’s a great teammate to people too. He’s always telling you, “Good job.” He’s always standing up in the huddle encouraging people.

So a lot of changes took place over the last month and where does that leave us? I’d say as a young, raw and talented team. We have a chance to be very good. But at the same time, we’re learning. We’re learning as a team and trying our hardest. But I’d say right now, we’re young and we’re learning.

Looking at how I’ve played over the past months, there have been some ups and downs. I’m lucky because I have good teammates around me, which helps with the highs and lows. It helps to have good teammates that when you’re having a good game are up and talking to you, and they do the same thing when you’re having a bad game. You have to transfer that energy to them and they really helped me out. I think that’s what I did when I had that game against the Magic where I sat for the second half. Those guys have been helping me out ever since then. Lessons like the one I mentioned I learned from Rondo help.

We’re about to head out on a six-game road trip. I like to pack all my clothes neatly folded. I have big shoes. So I have to fold everything neatly around that. I leave everything in the suitcase until I need it. When you unpack everything, you’re going to forget something and I don’t want to forget anything. My must travel item is my toothbrush and toothpaste. I have to be able to brush my teeth. I like to stay in the hotel when we’re not playing and watch a movie. I don’t really go out and do a lot. Besides Cleveland, since I’m from Ohio, my favorite road city is New York. I like the atmosphere and how great the people are.

For anyone reading this in Boston, be sure to come out Thursday Jan. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (1010 Harrison Ave.), where I am challenging Celtics fans to donate seven or more gently used items. Why seven? Because that’s my number, of course! Everyone that donates gets an autograph and photo, and the first 700 people receive a pair of tickets to an upcoming Celtics game. Plus the top three donors will receive some very special prizes that are really pretty amazing.

When I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of nice clothes. It would have been big time to me to receive some nice clothing. When people donate to people that don’t have the type of funds that can afford nice clothing, it’s awesome. It’s not the kids’ fault. It’s just the situation. My situation, I had a one-parent income. My dad was always working while my mom stayed home and took care of the kids until we were old enough to go to school and to be able to use our own key to get into the house.

Donating clothes goes a long way. I was the type of kid who bought stuff from the Salvation Army and Goodwill and all those different places. I know what it feels like to buy clothes there. For people to donate really quality clothing is big time on their part. People are then able to get really nice clothes in their price range. It make me happy to know I’m a part of that.