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And here is Sweetney in a photo published this week by Vaqueros de Bayamón, the Puerto Rican team he recently signed with. Sweetney’s previous Puerto Rican employer referred to him as “Big Mike” Sweetney, which appears to be an accurate nickname. Washington Post

Puerto Rico, Mike Sweetney 

Michael Sweetney has been around the world and back since the last time he played on the Celtics training camp roster in 2009. He’s played in Erie, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and even as far as China pursuing his goal of getting back in the NBA. Along the way the 29-year-old forward has tried to adapt a new way of life, one that he hopes can help him get back on the court. “I’ve pretty much just trying to get in better shape,” he told CSNNE.com prior to Wednesday’s Celtics - Raptors preseason game. “I’ve been struggling with that a lot in my career, my weight going up and down. I’ve been working on it, trying keep it down.” CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Mike Sweetney 

Listed at 295 pounds, he would not comment on his weight but says he is less than he was his first go-around with the C’s. It’s uncertain how the adjustment will pay off - the Celtics have to trim the roster for the start of the regular season. But the change in diet is something that will help Sweetney beyond basketball. “You see a lot of guys dropping like flies,” he said. “And I don’t want to be one of those people.” CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Mike Sweetney 

Sweetney has struggled with his weight his entire life. The battle intensified after his rookie season with the New York Knicks when his father passed away. Sweetney says he went through a stage of depression. He has since received help and wants to keep “plugging away” at his goals. CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Mike Sweetney 

With the help of his wife, who went to culinary school, he has adopted an organic diet. Reading labels and examining ingredients has become a part of his everyday life. “I actually had to change my whole diet,“ he said. “I watched the show ‘Food, Inc.’ and I didn’t know all this stuff. If I go to the store and I buy chicken, I’m thinking ok it’s good. But I didn’t know all the stuff that’s in it, all the steroids and hormones. CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, Mike Sweetney