Why are all these comments regarding Rondo's attitude being leaked to the media?

[Roy Hobbs]

Repeatedly and consistently this off-season, stories have been questioning Rajon Rondo's attitude and maturity.  These stories include quotes from both Danny and Doc, and more than one has said that teammates had issues with Rondo's attitude, as well.

The question is, why?  Why are Danny and Doc publicly questioning their franchise point guard, who both have said is a centerpiece of the team for the next decade?  Why are stories coming out about teammates hating Rondo, and failed team meetings from last season?

I see a few possible options.  One, the team could be trying to desperately get through to Rondo.  This weeks ESPN Insider article indicated that sometimes Rondo doesn't respond well to criticism until it's been explained multiple times.  Maybe this is the team's wa of getting through to him.

Second, the team could be trying to negotiate an extension this off-season, and they're trying to counter-act Rondo's agents demands based upon his playoff performance.

Third, the team might be looking toward *next* off-season, when Rondo is a restricted free agent.  Perhaps if the Celtics plant enough seeds of doubt about Rondo's attitude, it will make teams more hesitant to give Rondo a huge contract offer.

Lastly, the team may be actively looking to trade Rondo and/or is expecting him to leave.  Therefore, as a public relations ploy, the team could be trying to turn the fan base against Rondo.

Honestly, I have no idea.  I have no doubt that the issues are legitimate ones that need to be addressed, so I lean towards the "trying to get through to him" option.  However, I'm not sure that all of this stuff needs to be discussed through the media.

[Jeff]

I voted other because I think it very well could be a little of all of the above

[thirstyboots18]

I voted #1, but I do feel that these leaks are not condoned by the Celtics, and whoever is "leaking" will be out of a job if or when it is discovered.  I do not think Danny or Doc would chance disrupting team cohesion by doing this intentionally.

[Jon]

I hope it's just nothing, though I think it could be to lower his value next offseason.  If no team offers him big money, the C's will be able to retain him for less. 

[Who]

I think it's a negotiating tactic first and foremost ... but I also think the C's brass feels they've failed to get through to Rondo behind closed doors, and have resorted to the media as a last resort.

[Fafnir]

I think it is a combination of all of these things. With the first goal being getting through to Rondo.

[LarBrd33]

Celtics are playing with fire

[crownsy]

Celtics are playing with fire

Only if the player grows up. IF rondo is has as bad of an attitude problem and refuses to address certain things in his game because he "knows" they aren't problems (like his jump shot) The the celtics may be correct in not giving him a huge contract a year before they have to.

[BBS]

 I voted other because I beleave that at some point since this started all of these options have come into play. I am now starting to beleave that Rondo is a gonner and I am NOT happy about that at all. All I do know is that since DJ stoped playing for Boston all I have heard from the Celtics Brass and the people who cover the Celtics is that they need a great Point Gaurd. Well HE IS HERE AND NOW THEY SEEM TO BE DRIVEING HIM OUT THE DOOR.
 As we all know the Celtics Brass check this site out from time to time. Do you think that they could give us a explaination of their intentions with Rondo. I mean you could tell us without giveing away your hand in dealing with a contract with Rondo. As your loyal fans I think someone OWES US A EXPLANTION as to why your doing this with one of your best players.

Ya right that'll happen.

[the_Bird]

My guess is that it's frustration that Doc's having the same conversations with Rondo as he was having in his rookie season, so they're trying a different approach.  They've kept it in-house, but if he's not responding they'll try a little public pressure.  Not pushing to get a contract done is related. 

[xmuscularghandix]

I voted other because I beleave that at some point since this started all of these options have come into play. I am now starting to beleave that Rondo is a gonner and I am NOT happy about that at all. All I do know is that since DJ stoped playing for Boston all I have heard from the Celtics Brass and the people who cover the Celtics is that they need a great Point Gaurd. Well HE IS HERE AND NOW THEY SEEM TO BE DRIVEING HIM OUT THE DOOR.
 As we all know the Celtics Brass check this site out from time to time. Do you think that they could give us a explaination of their intentions with Rondo. I mean you could tell us without giveing away your hand in dealing with a contract with Rondo. As your loyal fans I think someone OWES US A EXPLANTION as to why your doing this with one of your best players.

Ya right that'll happen.

Rondo isn't one of the top 3 players on this team, and now that Rasheed is here i think he's barely in the top 4. He IS the future of the team but he's still young and has an attitude problem. Ironically this attitude problem is probably what's made him capable of handling all the other ego's on the team.

Rondo is good, but he's not as good as he thinks he is... yet. The whole world is telling him he's the man, The Celtics are just making sure that he doesn't start listening to all that.

[jdpapa3]

I went with the first one. I do think you could make a legitimate case for any of the others, or possibly a combination of some of the choices. The best thing that could happen for this team is for Rondo to grow up emotionally. They did shop him this summer so that tells me it may have been a little seed to not make celtics fan nation freak out if the right offer was made.

I don't think Ainge and Doc are stupid. Doc is very honest with the media, but Ainge chooses every word carefully. I bet they had a lot of discussions about the proper way to handle Rondo. This could also be the idea of the Brain Doc: Ainge loves the guy and values his opinions on motivational tactics.

[Chris]

I am going to say the same thing I said last year when everyone jumped on this around the draft.  Danny, and especially Doc have been saying the same things about Rondo for the last two years, but it was just recently that the media started paying attention.

I am pretty sure these same stories could have been written last season as well, but they wouldn't have gone over as well with the C's coming off a championship, and Rondo was not up for a contract extension.

The issues have always been there, and they have always been public.  They just were not highlighted by the press until now.

[Cman]

I voted other because I think it very well could be a little of all of the above

I voted other as well, bc I think it could be 1,2, or 3.  Don't think it is 4.

[BASS_THUMPER]

no real drama goin in the nba...kobe and arteset aint acted up...this is all they got...

but i thought the trade rumors a while back was to kool rajon's jets..?