Rondo "When we touch that floor in the first game of the playoffs well be ready"

[CelticSooner]

So are most people cool with Rondo "not trying" in so many games, most of them since his binky, Perk got traded? You all know I hate the trade, but Rondo's play since the trade has been overall unacceptable. Must really anger a guy like Pierce or KG who come with ferocity every night. Maybe Rondo is who Pierce was referring to after the game yesterday when he said he comes to compete hard every game, but unfortunately not everyone on the team does.

I'm not exactly thrilled about it. I understand the need to stay healthy for the real season though.

[BballTim]

So are most people cool with Rondo "not trying" in so many games, most of them since his binky, Perk got traded? You all know I hate the trade, but Rondo's play since the trade has been overall unacceptable. Must really anger a guy like Pierce or KG who come with ferocity every night. Maybe Rondo is who Pierce was referring to after the game yesterday when he said he comes to compete hard every game, but unfortunately not everyone on the team does.

  I don't know that Rondo's comments were based entirely on his own game. I also think it's a little silly to say that KG and PP come out with ferocity every night. Where's the evidence that everyone else has been trying harder than Rajon? Doc was talking the other night about players not hurrying the ball to Rondo after they rebound it and not hustling up the court with him when he does try and push the ball. If he made comments that called Rondo's hustle/determination into question to that extent he'd be crucified on this board. Since it's not about Rondo it's not really interesting to people here.

  He could also be commenting on the (possible) expectation that Shaq will be contributing in the playoffs.

[angryguy77]

he turned it up the last couple of years in the playoffs. No reason to think he wont do it now.

I think we tend to forget about the energy he spends during the playoffs. It's not easy for a guy with his skill set to dominate a game without going 200%.

This is not excusing a less than half effort though. Somewhere in between would do.

Just a thought-Could his recent play have anything to do with the rest of the teams effort? If they aren't going full throttle, he could just be saying screw it and wait until the rest of the team is ready. Why spend the energy if the rest of the team isn't going to give their all?

I don't know the answer to that, but I think there might be some merit to the theory.

[2short]

I think they will be as will the lakers currently on a 5 game loosing streak.  These games don't seem to mean much.

[PosImpos]

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.  One thing we know Rondo is consistently good at is talking up his game.

[ejk3489]

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.  One thing we know Rondo is consistently good at is talking up his game.

He's also been consistently good at playing in games that matter.

[Roy H.]

I thought this was a really weird quote from Rondo:

"It's not going to be on the Big Three, or Shaq, or J.O., or me," Rondo said. "It's going to be on those (new) guys why we win it all ... the main thing is you have to bring it every night. We're the Celtics, and teams are going to give us their best shot. I think it's a different type of level you have to bring when you play for the Celtics, and right now we're trying to get those guys to play at that level every day -- not just in the games, but in practice as well."

Link.

It seems like he's criticizing the new guys for their lack of effort, while exempting himself and the starters.  Very strange, since pretty much the entire team's play has been spotty.

[mc34]

I thought this was a really weird quote from Rondo:

"It's not going to be on the Big Three, or Shaq, or J.O., or me," Rondo said. "It's going to be on those (new) guys why we win it all ... the main thing is you have to bring it every night. We're the Celtics, and teams are going to give us their best shot. I think it's a different type of level you have to bring when you play for the Celtics, and right now we're trying to get those guys to play at that level every day -- not just in the games, but in practice as well."

Link.

It seems like he's criticizing the new guys for their lack of effort, while exempting himself and the starters.  Very strange, since pretty much the entire team's play has been spotty.

I think he's saying its not on him and the other vets to get the new guys completely assimilated, and that if they don't buy in, we're not winning a championship, which is probably the truth

[KungPoweChicken]

Well, Rondo is just wrong. He needs to bring it every night. I really want him home at the end of the season.

[Shamrocker]

Wow, that’s an explosive quote. Rondo should look in the mirror…

[GreenEnvy]

Wasn't it just a few days ago he was worried they wouldn't be able to just flip the switch? Now he is confident they will?

And putting the onus on the bench? I honestly don't believe they will win or lose us any series. Granted they can help/hurt the cause, but this 'ship is going as far as the Big Three, Rondo, and Shaq take it.

[Drucci]

Sounds like an admission that they are waiting for the playoffs and don't care about the remaining games.

[BballTim]

Pardon me if I'm skeptical.  One thing we know Rondo is consistently good at is talking up his game.

  Some people know that he's good at other things as well.

[pearljammer10]

Okay. Whatever you say, Rajon. Maybe teams should start paying players only for the games they really try.

That'd be awesome, pay cuts for sub par performances.

NBA players working on commission of wins and stats...I like it!

[BballTim]

I thought this was a really weird quote from Rondo:

"It's not going to be on the Big Three, or Shaq, or J.O., or me," Rondo said. "It's going to be on those (new) guys why we win it all ... the main thing is you have to bring it every night. We're the Celtics, and teams are going to give us their best shot. I think it's a different type of level you have to bring when you play for the Celtics, and right now we're trying to get those guys to play at that level every day -- not just in the games, but in practice as well."

Link.

It seems like he's criticizing the new guys for their lack of effort, while exempting himself and the starters.  Very strange, since pretty much the entire team's play has been spotty.

  He isn't the first to say this. I'm pretty sure Doc did, and possibly KG.