Kentucky coach John Calipari tweeted this on Thursday night:
“John Wall (@jimmywa11), Rajon Rondo (@rajonrondo) & Eric Bledsoe (@ebled24) all plan to enroll in the fall if the lockout continues. Kaboom!”
Oh that Calipari did it again. Since I think there will be a lock out, it would be cool if all 3 of them were assistant coaches of Kentucky. Such a good recruiting ploy too. Calipari can just send a pro out on recruiting trips and get whichever high school kid he wants to fall right into his lap.
This is why John Calipari is the man. He thinks outside of the box. Great move Coach Cal.
As has long been suspected, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo admitted to Yahoo! Sports that the trade of his good friend Kendrick Perkins in late February had a bigger impact on the team's mental focus than it should have.
"It wasn't like the man passed away or something," Rondo told Yahoo! Sports reporter Marc J. Spears. "I think we put too much emphasis on it. It's a business. He got traded. He's very happy where he's at. We still talk, and I'm always going to have his back. It shouldn't have affected us the way it affected us (WEEI)."
I sometimes worry about what goes on in Rondo's head. Throughout the season it seemed like he played up to the competition, but would play down to it as well if there wasn't something to prove. Then there was this whole Perkins trade mess, and it really did seem to affect him. To a point I understand it, but with this team aging by the day and Rondo is becoming the leader of the team he needs to have a stronger head then this. From this quote I think he has learned that. Like he said "it's a business", and no matter what happens you have to come in and do your job.
Rondo proved a lot to me in terms of toughness when he came back from that horrible elbow injury. I think over the next year he needs to become more and more of a leader. The obvious thing is developing the last parts of his game that keep him from being the best PG in the game (free throws, outside jump shot). He doesn't have to be good in those two areas, but he needs to at least make it respectable. If he can't hit free throws then it stops him from going to the rim, and if he can't hit the outside jump shot no one feels the need to play up on him.
The bottom line is if this quote is true it kind of makes me disappointed in the entire team. They are a veteran team and they should've been able to move on from this and not let it affect them as much as Rondo said it did.
ESPN caught up with Rondo recently and he discussed a bunch of topics, but there were two things that were noteworthy...
On his dislocated elbow: "It's the most pain I've ever been in playing ball. I'm feeling a little pain now, but the swelling is down. The only thing is there's swelling in my joint. I'll be fine, it just takes time. I've got a couple more weeks that I'm off, as far as rest and the repetition of weights."
On potentially playing overseas: "It's something my agent and I have spoken about. A lot of things go into playing overseas, a lot of little things to take care of. For me, right now, I'm just focused on getting healthy -- getting healthy and getting better for my team next year, the Boston Celtics (ESPN)."
You just knew that elbow was going to take a long time to heal, but since I think we all know they are going to be missing games this year due the lockout I am not concerned about it at all, and he doesn't seem to be either. As for playing overseas, I like everything he says. If the lockout becomes a long term thing he can jump on somewhere, but there is no reason to be deciding such things now. Actually, I loved everything Rondo said in this interview. He was asked if the Big Three have another run in them, and he basically said they do, because no one sees how good of shape these guys are in. He was also asked about the lockout, and said that he didn't give a shit, he just wants to get healthy and win another title for Boston.
The other note for the Celtics is Paul Flannery was on WEEI on the other day and discussed the chances of the Celtics getting Dwight Howard...
"Here’s the pitch: Come play with a defensive-minded, pass-first point guard in Rondo and for coach Doc Rivers (a strong selling point, by the way), and you’ll be joining forces on one of the truly historic basketball teams as they transition from one era to the next. Did we mention the 17 banners? Bill Russell? You might have heard we're building a statue for him (Celticsblog)."
Although, I agree with the author of this post that the Nets are still more likely in my eyes (just seems like Howard would like being in New York), I do think that the Celtics have a great case. Rondo is the perfect PG for a guy like Howard. I mean remember the beginning of last year when Rondo was making Shaq look like an All-Star again? I do. So, imagine an actual All-Star getting those passes. I do hate Howard, I think he is a loser and cares more about his imagine then rings (which is why I see him with the Nets), but if there is a coach that could reach him it's Doc.
So on the Radio this morning I was hearing rumors about trading Rajon in a deal that involves Dwight Howard or Chris Paul back this way.
I love Rajon, I do, he's my favorite Celtic player of all time, But if the Celtics were going to knock down the Big 3, this makes sense. As much as I despise Chris Paul he is a great pg, he can create his own shot, defend and pass the ball really well. Also, if we could get Dwight Howard, you do it. Dwight is a beast of a center and if we can do a deal involving Rajon for Dwight you gotta do it. I know there would be secondary players in a deal, but if we are going to rebuild and stay relevant than we do it.
I also saw this crazy trade rumor too: Celtics get: Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Paul, and Emeka Okafor Hornets get: Rajon Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal, and a signed Glen Davis Magic get: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and a signed Jeff Green (plus maybe a future pick or two)
Yea it wouldn't happen, but you know what, it's crazy to dream.
Around this time 4 years ago, Celtics fans were talking about lotteries. And now we're disappointed that we've only seen the C's win 1 title in 3 years. So let's not get too depressed about the possibilities of the Big Three breaking up. Let's not dwell on lost opportunities, or focus on the negative. In the last three years, this team went from a joke to a model franchise. They won 3 divisional titles, 2 Conference Championships, and 1 NBA Championship. They've become a face-franchise of the Association. They've rekindled old rivalries (Los Angeles) and established new ones (Miami, New York). This might be the end of an era for the Celtics. But it was one hell of an era.
Now to the game. You have to give credit to Miami. LeBron's been long criticized as a poor finisher. And before this series, I felt like if the Celtics could keep games close, their experience and clutchness would propel them to victory, just as it did in the Knicks series. However, the Heat were better in those late stages. Last night, while Ray Allen missed a three, and the C's turned the ball over with ease, LeBron, Wade, and James Jones were knocking down huge 3 point shots.
The Celtics turned the ball over 17 times. Garnett was 3 of 8 with his free throws. Glen Davis still can't find himself. Rondo played 30 minutes and most of those were ineffective. There was no singular reason for the Celtics losing. They lost for a number of reasons.
And without stellar 4th quarter performances from guys like Delonte West, it might have been over much sooner. West was the Celtics' best player in the 4th quarter. That's not a winning formula.
And at least LeBron's post-game interview was classy, and laced with praise for the Celtics. At the same time, he's still an annoying bitch, and I hope either the Bulls or Hawks destroy him in the next round.
Celtics guard Rajon Rondo and forward Kevin Garnett both earned spots on the NBA's All-Defensive first team, the league announced Monday.
Rondo finished second in the overall voting of the NBA's 30 head coaches, earning 16 first-team votes and seven second-team votes for a total of 39 points (coaches were not allowed to vote for their own player). Only Orlando'sDwight Howard (56 points, 27 first-place votes) earned more points. Miami's LeBron James (38 points), Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant (33) and Garnett (33) rounded out the first team. ESPN
Some good Celtics news after that loss last night. KG has 9 1st team selections making him tied for the record with Michael Jordan and Gary Payton. Of course Rondo is deserving of this award as he is always up in the league steals and plays terrific on ball defense.
Dice K throws almost 2 perfect games, the Celtics sweep the Knicks, Rajon is the star of the show and slaps Bob in the face with his dick, Michael Ryder saves the Bruins series and LeBrick misses another big shot..... Life is well.
Why might this be happening you may ask? It's simple, it's because I'm always right about everything. Dice K is the Ace of the Red Sox staff and just had some bad luck due to injuries and Varitek sabotaging starts. Bobby Valentine, The Captain, BMack and whoever doubted Dice K can go to hell and die. I tip my hat to BoSoxAtl who kept the faith. I mean remember when The Captain was trying to be clever and calling him Dice-L (which doesn't even make sense)? Hows the crow taste Homo.
Now on to the Celtics? Remember how BMack basically said Rajon was regressing and shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Derrek Rose? Too bad fat head didn't realize that Rondo had no help with a back up pg all year and was worn down. He used his quick judgement based on 1 game against the Bulls late in the season.
Michael Ryder.... greatness. I loved how all the Bruins fans out there were calling for Ryders head, and wanted to play a pussbag rookie over the veteran. All Ryder did after that was score 2 goals including the game winner saving the Bruins season. Once again the Captain has another dish of crow.
LeBron..... big time shot..... misses. Enough said. Biggest choke artist in the world. Can't wait to see him next round.
During the entire Knicks vs. Celtics playoffs series, The Campus Socialite (Knicks) will square off against Dueling Couches (Celtics) in a trash talk showdown. We’re taking this rivalry from the courts to the blogs.
Those scumbag New Yorkers obviously are getting nervous over there in shit city that they feel the need to defend an 0-2 team in the playoff that are most likely going to lose Chauncey Billups and Amare for game 2. The responded to our No Moral Victories post.
Here it is: Under normal circumstances it would suck to write a post after losing two consecutive playoff games by a total of 4 points. Nobody likes to lose and there is definitely no such thing as a moral victory in the playoffs. But shit, we played our asses off last night, Melo did EXACTLY what I said he’d do, dominated an inferior team. There isn’t a player in the NBA who can guard Melo when his jumper is falling like it was last night. Plenty of New Yorkers are playing the “if we only had our starters” game and it may even be true that losing an MVP quality player for the most important game your team has played in ten years is less than ideal. More so than that though, we SHOULD have beaten the defending Eastern Conference Champions for the second game in a row last night. We out-played them, had a lead in the final minute and just couldn’t seal the deal. The unfortunate excuse of an NBA basketball player that is Jared Jeffries has graced us with his incompetence once again. He teased us with a dynamic driving layup to take the lead in the final minute only to completely blow the game on the final two important possessions. The coaching mistakes were evident, Carmelo MUST come off of Delonte West and double Garnett in the post and Dantoni is directly to blame for not making that known. Also, in his post-game presser Mike D said “Melo was gassed and couldn’t chase Delonte into the backcourt on the final play”. THEN TAKE HIM OUT AND HAVE SOMEONE FRESH MAKE THE FOUL!!! We are fouling on purpose anyway and could have brought Carmelo back in the game after the first free throw. I wanted to see, for once in the past 2+ seasons, Dantoni actually win a game by outcoaching his counterpart and now I have no faith that will ever happen. It is going to take an infusion from THE Garden crown on Friday night to bring the Bockers back into this series and that is exactly what we are going to get. The place is going to be rocking, you will feel it through the television. People in Boston will be drinking discounted beers in their mom’s basements and screaming at the tv in horror. They won’t understand what is happening, their hated NY fan base showing up and making a difference in the game? WOW. We don’t need bad calls and dirty players to win, yea im talking to you KG and Big Baby. It amazing what these guys get away with and then scream and cry whenever they hear a whistle. Bunch of bitches on that Boston team and I “CANT WAIT” (Bart Scott Voice) to take them out of the playoffs just like the J-E-T-S did to Tom Brady and his soft bunch of pussies in January.
During the entire Knicks vs. Celtics playoffs series, The Campus Socialite (Knicks) will square off against Dueling Couches (Celtics) in a trash talk showdown. We’re taking this rivalry from the courts to the blogs.
Remember when our own Answer ranted about this “Ummm so I just got done reading this little battle between DC and Camp Social Fuck and I’m checking into the game here. Now I’m not doing it because I have some long rant and rebuttal to their stupid fucking article about the 90′s, I actually only have one thing to say (and I’ll take this moment to say a few other things.)” More
Well the Campus Social Fucks responded: First was a response by someone called “The Answer” which ironically only left me with questions, like who allowed this clown to actually publish something on their site, and why everything he says contradicts itself to the point that I don’t know what the hell this dude is trying to accomplish. My time spent on replying to “The Answer” will be limited simply because I have better shit to do. In response to you calling us “Camp Social Fuck”, that sounds like the most awesome place ever, and being that you probably can’t afford a lawyer I am going to go ahead coin that phrase, and make a t-shirt out of it.
Then on to your actual commentary about the game I will say the following; I find it funny that you feel Rondo (can’t shoot), Jeff Green (bum), and Big Baby (mush) lead you to a level of confidence in the future. The fact that you are counting on a draft pick and the hope of a free agent, doesn’t sound very promising either.
To your points on defense, and the Knicks lack there of, we have held your Boston Celtics under 100 pts two games in a row. I think our defense has been decent enough. And to demonstrate how contradictory your ignorant arguments are, you first mention how D’Antoni will be fired, and then say how we wont ever win a championship because of his game plan. Good point dude. Well thought out.
You compare the Knicks to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks don’t have Melo or Amare, they have Josh Smith. Relax on that comparison kid.
The Knicks were by far the more effective team in the half court offense, it was Boston’s offense that all came from their running game. If you have watched the Knicks in this series or prior to the playoffs, you would know that with the addition of Melo and Billups we have transformed them from a running team to a more half court offense. Which makes your statement about how the knicks running style offense will never win in the playoffs, irrelevant. Lastly, RAY ALLEN might be the best shooter ever, but he was only open because Garnett tripped Toney Douglas, and the ref didn’t call it because you blew him before the game.
The title of this post I am not thrilled with, because it is overused, but there is really no other way to say it... Rondo is the key to the Celtics. He is their MVP, he is their future, and right now he is letting his team down.
In the beginning of the year there were thoughts that Rondo was the best PG in the league. I am not sure if I ever agreed with that statement, which has been thrown around this site a lot, but I certainly was willing to have him in the conversation. Last night proved he is not, and that he isn't even in the same breathe as someone like Rose. Before you go all crazy on me, let's go inside the stats.
As of today, Rondo has his lowest points per game since his rookie season.
I know with Rondo it isn't about points, but his lack of scoring and confidence is affecting the rest of the team. We have seen it as the season has progressed. He did go through a slump, and I know he was beat up, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The fact is that word is out on him that the only time he is affective, as a scorer, is when he can get to the hoop. This has led to two results.
Teams cave their defense in knowing that he doesn't have confidence in his jumper, and even if he does shoot his FG% has fallen to it lowest total since his rookie year.
So, it's not like he is just shooting less and getting more people involved, he has just regressed.
The 2nd result is that even if he does go to the hoop the other team will just foul him. This has caused Rondo to shut down this part of his game, because he can't hit free throws, which also his lowest since his rookie year.
Shooting 55% from the line when you are a guard is unacceptable.
Rondo's assist are up by almost 1.5 a game from last year, but I don't see that as a great sign. The bottom line is that Rondo has to take control. When this team is great, it's when Rondo is aggressive and goes to the hole. Yes, he struggles from the line, but going to the line less doesn't help that. Plus, even if the other team has to foul him that gets the other team in foul trouble, which is obviously a positive within itself. It certainly would've helped to at least make Rose work last night on defense, or get him a couple fouls.
On top of all of that when Rondo goes to the hoop it sets up the rest of the offense. Ray Allen becomes open for 3's, people have to sag off Pierce a little bit, KG becomes a force and gets those open jumpers, and so on.
Yes, the Celtics need Shaq to come back, but above that they need Rondo to get his head right, find his confidence, and lead this team. Like I said he is the MVP (of the Celtics), the gear that makes it all work, and although we can go on and on about the loss of Perk, the real story is the loss of Rondo's all around game. He finds it again, the Celtics will be in the Finals.
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo has not been himself recently, and now we know why. The Celtics' all-star point guard has been battling a right pinkie injury, one that Rondo said has been bothering him for the past couple of weeks.
"My finger, my hand went numb," Rondo said. "I was a little concerned about it, going back in."
Rondo eventually returned to the floor, with the finger taped up - something he said he has been doing for the past couple of weeks (Celticsblog)."
The injury won't keep Rondo out of the lineup, but I am having a hard time believing this is why ROndo isn't playing well. Maybe, it is affecting his his shot a little bit, but the thing I have noticed the most is his lack of explosiveness. He isn't going to the hoop and finding the open man like he was earlier in the year. This is making life a lot easier for opposing defenses, and it really brings down the whole Celtics offense.
The Celtics really need to get Rondo 100% before the playoffs. They are running out of time to do so, and his game seems to keep slipping. If they don't figure this out the Celtics won't being doing much of anything in the playoffs.
I know on this site questioning Rondo is grounds for people showing up at my door with torches, but there is obviously something wrong here, and it should be discussed. To DP's credit he at least acknowledged it in his recap, but now it's time to dig deeper.
First, let's make sure everyone is on the same page that there is a problem. Let's look at Rondo's last 5 games.
Sure, some of those totals are terrible, but these aren't exactly the best teams in the league. Rondo earlier this year was looking like an MVP candidate, but if you've watched him over the past 2 weeks you know something is just not right. So, what's the problem? I have come up with 4 possible reasons.
1. DEPRESSION: Could it be that Rondo is depressed with the loss of his boy Perkins? In short, if this is the reason the Celtics are in a lot of trouble, because that means Rondo is fucking soft. I 100% do not think this has anything to do with it, but I guarantee you will read this somewhere. Bottom line, Rondo cares way too much about winning to just tank it because his friend is gone.
2. TIRED: Rondo has played way too many minutes. Actually the "Big 4" have all played way too many minutes, and it may just be that it has finally caught up to him. You can tell he has lost a step, and some of the mistakes he is making could be that he is not just physically tired, but mentally worn out. This makes the comeback of West even more important. That will cut down his minutes, and maybe the Celtics can even get him a game off or two before the playoffs.
3. HURT: We saw him grab his ankle last night, and could explain the lost step. It could very well be, but I don't feel like his is limping just a bit slower. I lean towards him being more tired then hurt, but those things kind of go hand in hand.
4. SLUMP: We've seen KG slump before. We've seen Allen slump before. We've seen Pierce slump before. So, why can't Rondo? It could be that he is just a little off and this will all blow over in the next couple of games.
So, what do I think it is? Well I do think he is in a "slump", but that is kind of a cop-out. I think he is in a slump because he is overplayed and needs to cut down his minutes. West really needs to comeback and be affective, so that Rondo can get his legs back under him and bring back that explosiveness. Also, I think some time off will cut down his "mental" mistakes. Rondo's recent struggles just show how important he is to this team. There is no doubt this current losing streak has more to do with Rondo then anyone else. He makes everyone around him better when he is on, and right now he is not getting it done.
Bottom line is that I am a little worried if they don't cut down his minutes, but I believe in Doc and think he will take care of this.
RAJON RONDO - Point Guard, Boston Celtics Finally, we have a New England athlete on the list. For a site that dedicates much of its energies to covering NE based sports teams it seemed to take a while before we got to a Beantown athlete. Nonetheless, we are here and at #6 we have the most enigmatic player to don Celtics green since maybe The Chief, Robert Parrish.
For all of his on-court talents, Rajon Rondo is a bit of a mystery to the general public. We don't know much about him, and he seems very happy to keep it that way. Even in photo shoots Rondo is often captured just staring blankly at the camera. Rarely sporting the toothy grin of his coach and teammates, Rondo is content to remain a stone-cold assassin on the floor. And that is just fine with Celtics fans. Hey, Rajon! Smile - you're on camera! What we do know about, Rajon is that he is a supreme distributor of the basketball. The current NBA leader in assists per game (12.2), Rondo posts absurd assist numbers on a nightly basis. Some of that, no doubt is due to the depth of talent that surrounds him on the Celtics, but make no mistake he gets them the ball in position to put it in the basket easily - a skill that is becoming a bit of a lost art among "modern" point guards who look to score first more often than they look to pass.
His ability to distribute the ball to his scorers is something that he developed as a High School point guard at Oak Hill Academy, one of the premier basketball breeding grounds in America. Knowing that he wasn't a go-to scorer on the squad, Rondo instead focused his efforts on defense and passing the basketball. It served him well, and GM Danny Ainge has said that when scouting him as a High School player those were the skills along with his athleticism and leadership qualities, that impressed him the most and probably led to the Celtics acquiring him via trade during the 2006 draft.
Following his days at Oak Hill Rondo accepted a scholarship offer to play for University of Kentucky (thus spawning DP's love affair with him) which was seen by some as a slap in the face to his hometown Louisville, and Rick Pitino who had shown a lot of interest in another high profile point guard that year - Sebastian Telfair (good one. haha). Rondo would play two years at Kentucky and put up very solid numbers there, including outstanding defensive numbers as he became known for having the quickest hands in college basketball and posted a steal in every game he played as a freshman. He was not however, known as a shooter (still true) and led some to question his real potential in the NBA. Still, he was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Celtics for the Cavs 1st rd pick and cash. That pick later became Rudy Fernandez who the Suns would also trade - to Portland. (Phoenix really made a lot of screwy moves in that 2-3 yr stretch where they thought they were contenders). Just think Steve, he could have been your teammate instead!
Rondo would interestingly enough split time as a rookie with the Celts with Sebastian Telfair, as well as Delonte West. While his minutes were considerably limited, he still posted top 10 steals numbers and was more than promising as a point guard. The Celtics finished the year with a horrid 24 wins which started the Greg Oden at #1 rumors and had many fans looking forward to an Oden/Rondo big man/point guard combo. MY HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED! The Celtics did not win the #1 pick in the lottery and continued to make a series of trades uniting the Big 3 and leading to a championship.
Playing a critical role in the Celtics' title run of 2007-08, Rondo went from being perhaps the guy who would hold the team back, to being just the point guard the team needed. His true breakout, however, came during the 2008-09 playoffs when the team made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. If we're rounding up, he averaged a triple- double throughout those playoffs. In actuality it was 9.8 assists and 9.7 rebounds to go with 16.9 points per contest. In the first round against Chicago (still one of the great playoff series of all time) Rondo showed a lot of fiery passion, regularly going at it with John Salmons, Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose and even mild mannered Kirk Heinrich. The Celts won the series in 7 games, and Rondo cemented his place among the top point guards in the league.
This season he came out particularly on fire with the assist numbers, setting an NBA record with 67 assists through the first four games. However, after the hot start he has battled through some nagging injuries. It would be very beneficial for the Celtics to find a reliable point guard behind him to help spell his minutes, the way they did with Jeff Green to spell Pierce. I'm sure they're hoping Delonte West can do that, but he hasn't proved very helpful.
Rajon Rondo's NBA career has certainly been productive thus far, having been in the playoffs 3 times in 4 years, and heading toward a 4th appearance. I'd love to see him continue to become more assertive on the offensive end. While he will never be a shooter, and distributing will always be his calling card, I think he needs to keep defenses a little more honest in the 4th quarter. But that's nitpicking. He has a ring already, and Celtics fans are surely hoping he can add one or two more before his days in Boston are over. While the rest of the team may be aging quickly, Rondo is in his prime, having just a week or so ago turned 25. With that in mind, and the fact that he is locked up under contract for a while the Celtics' future looks very bright as long as he remains a part of it.
*Editor's Note: Rajon Rondo remains eligible for this list, because he turned 25 after I compiled my list of players. Sorry for any confusion.*
On February 22, 1986 a legend was born. Rajon turned 25 today and he may be the biggest contract steal in the NBA right now. 11 Million dollars is a lot of money no doubt, but last year when he and the Celtics agreed on a 5 year, 55 million dollar deal they had no idea the bang for the buck they got. Rajon may not ever lead the league in scoring or even average 20 points a game, but have you ever seen someone control a game more without scoring. Right now he is averaging 11 points and 12 assists a game and is a defensive pest with 2 and a half steals a game.
The Big 3 wouldn't have won a title without him and he wouldn't be the player he is without them, but the most impressive thing about him is hard nose work ethic and being able to be a tough guy. He is becoming a little KG with being an asshole to everyone like sneaking into the Heat huddle or not talking to any other guys on the all star game and how many times have you seen him do the dirty work on the floor whether it be guarding LeBron or hitting the floor a bunch of times.
The Celtics looked terrible in the first half (Kings led 54-45 at the end of a first half, and the Celtics in almost every phase), but like so many times this season they were able to turn it on when it mattered and got the win. Usually if the team needs a spark it is guys like Pierce or Garnett that start getting on the team to play harder. Last night, according to sources it was Ray Allen who went off on his teammates, which led to the 2nd half turnaround.
We have seen all year that the Celtics have trouble getting up to play shitty teams, last night was no different, but at long as there on a W on the board at the end it really doesn't matter. Ray Allen was the star of the game scoring 22 points with 6 boards, while Rajon did his job with 17 points and 10 asts.
The Kings were red hot coming into this game beating the Hornets and Lakers, but they didn't have enough in the tank to take down the Celtics, and are still looking for their first 3 game winning streak of the season. Overall, you have to be happy with the way this West Coast trip turned out. The Celtics had a really tough schedule and ended up 3-1.
Rajon Rondo missed his fifth consecutive game on Tuesday due to his sprained left ankle. He will also miss Wednesday's game against Detroit, but he could come back later this week.
According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics point guard has increased his practice time during their road trip and there is a chance he'll be activated for Friday's game in Boston against the New Orleans Hornets.
Rondo, who has not played since Dec. 15 when he hurt the ankle against the Knicks, says the time off has been good for him.
"The rest has allowed me to get closer to 100 percent than I was the last five or six games," he told The Boston Globe. "It's been a good break for me. It's definitely not something I wanted, but I have to deal with it (ESPN)."
The Celtics have been able to get by without him, but that won't last for too much longer. I don't think they should bring him back till he is 100%, but it sounds like he is getting close. The last thing the Celtics need is to rush him back and lose him for the long term, saying that the Celtics seem to have their mind set on winning the East this year and to do that they are going to need Rondo on the court (Miami is current 2 games behind the Celtics).
Realizing Rondo has major influence on the younger players, Rivers asked him to give Von Wafer a pep talk before Wafer was summoned with 1:04 left in the third quarter. Wafer sparkled, playing good defense and making a key layup.
“The one thing I love about Rondo when he’s sitting on the bench is he’s really involved in the game,’’ Rivers said. “He’s not sitting on the bench to look nice in a suit and tie. He’s really watching the game and trying to help guys on the bench. I went to Rondo and said, ‘We’re about to put Von Wafer in the game, go talk to him, make sure he’s ready.’ He came in ready.’’ Globe
It's pretty cool that Rondo at 24 is asked to be put in that position. He has grown from a prick to a leader in front of our eyes. Part of the reason why this is also really cool to hear as a Celtics fan is that we get this leadership past the big 3. KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen will not be walking through that door but Rondo will. And so that gives me the confidence that down the line we will have a guy who isn't afraid to put someone in their place in 3 or 4 years.
The Celtics have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 14-4, but that doesn't mean that don't have their troubles. Jermaine O'Neal is said to be at least a week away from even practicing again. Delonte West is out for several months after breaking his wrist. Now there are reports that Rondo looked off last night because his hamstring is giving him trouble again. This is obviously terrible new for the Celtics as they are already thin at the PG position. To make matters worse Nate Robinson is having pain in his heal, and that injury only seems to be getting worse.
This could lead to Daniels getting more time at PG, and eventually I think you are going to see Bradley getting some minutes. You hope these injuries don't go on all year, but you just never know.
It looks like Rondo will not be playing tomorrow when the Celtics play the Nets, but he seems to think he could be ready for Friday against the Raptors...
"I mean, I might try to do something Wednesday,'' Rondo told the website. "We'll see. I was saying Friday, but I don't know yet.''
The Celtics shouldn't need him against either of these teams, IF they are playing defense like the can. The biggest thing is to get Rondo healthy, but hopefully this time off not only healed his hamstring, but also his injured foot.
