Rajon Rondo Felt Nothing when his Conglomerates were Traded
Sep 30, 2013; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) talks to reporters during media day at the Celtics Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Well, he’s back. Not quite yet in playing form, but Rondo is back like he never left. He’s always been this quirky, sort of enigmatic player. You never know what his thoughts are and what his next move is going to be–that’s what makes him so unique on the basketball court.
That hasn’t changed one bit. Rondo remains unaffected by all of the changeover that the Boston Celtics have seen throughout the offseason. Well, at least that’s what he’ll tell you anyway. Whether you believe him or not is reflective upon your own thoughts about him. As for myself? I believe it.
Rondo said that he felt nothing when he found out that Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were traded. He also said he felt the same about Doc Rivers’ departure as well. He came him credit for helping him develop into the player that he is today, but other than that he didn’t seem mournful or melancholy in the least bit.
"Asked about the departures of Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, Rondo was unemotional.“It wasn’t difficult at all,” said Rondo. “I didn’t feel anything. I actually landed in LA the night of the draft. I had 45 text messages come through the phone. I thought I was traded.“It’s not the first teammates that I’ve been close to who were traded away — Perk, Tony Allen. It’s part of the process. This is a fresh start for us, a new coach and a new team. I’m excited about the fresh start.”"
Rondo also didn’t dispute the claim that he could eventually be traded himself. He knows that the Celtics’ roster isn’t yet complete and he may not be in the future plans of the organization.
Although, he is their best player, sometimes you have to start over with worst players in order to become better in the future. Although, with Rondo off of the court as of now, the Celtics could find themselves in a place where a rebuild is needed without him.
"“Those are things that are out of my control,” said Rondo. “I don’t tend to worry about those things.I have to live my life. Whatever the case may be, whenever that may happen, that’s what will happen. But until then, I’m a Celtic, and I’ll play as hard as I can for this organization.”"
Rondo also stated that he and Brad Stevens have become “best friends”. That’s all the way on the other end of the spectrum in terms of how the public perceives Rondo. Most people think he’s out to rip every coaches head off while consuming their insides and casting demonic chants on all that oppose him–or something like that.
So its pretty refreshing to hear that Stevens and Rondo have gotten off on the right foot. Even if the Celtics aren’t good this season, we could see a lot of progress in terms of team building–especially with Rondo.