I really would like to see this current Celtic team have one more crack at going after a title together. I think we still have a shot to be in contention. To me, that's really all you can ask for going into a season. Sure, if we traded Rondo for Paul straight up, we'd still be considered a contender, but I don't think it would up our chances significantly. Getting by the likes of Miami and Chicago would still be a challenge, and then getting by whoever comes out of the West wouldn't be easy either.
This team has been special to me as a Celtics fan since they were brought together in in the summer of 2007. Rondo has grown alongside his three celebrated veteran teammates over the course of the past four seasons and reached a point where he's as crucial to the success of this team as anyone else.
I don't get the callousness with which many of the fans treat the players who play for our beloved basketball team. We often decry the lack of loyalty by the players towards the fans and the organization, but it seems to me that loyalty needs to be a two way street for it to exist. It's the individuals who play for the team that make up the lore and the legacy of the team. A jersey never scored a basket, made a sweet assist or dove for a loose ball.
Rajon Rondo has earned the opportunity to get to try to play himself into the category of Celtic legend as far as I'm concerned. Currently, he's well on his way. I'm hoping he gets the chance to get there. If Celticsblog ran the Celtics, unfortunately, he'd be on the next bus to New Orleans.
"Thanks for everything, Rajon, don't let the door hit you on the behind on the way out."