Ainge Decided When Screws Came Out, Rondo Wanted To Play

[LooseCannon]

According to Chris Forsberg:

Rondo said that, at halftime of Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers, team physician Brian McKeon and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge decided Rondo should undergo the procedure to remove them Saturday, given that Boston had three days off coming up after Saturday's game in Chicago.

Rondo, who missed considerable time in recent seasons while rehabbing from ACL surgery, lobbied to play Saturday, but lost that battle.

"I just wanted to go, travel with my team and play in Chicago," he said. Later he added: "I thought we'd have the day off Sunday anyway, and I thought I could do it Sunday. But they make those decisions."

One could simply explain Ainge's decision (and I think it was mainly his decision, with Dr. McKeon providing analysis of the options) to be purely business-related, making sure that his star is available for a home game.  Others could interpret this decision in a way that supports a belief that Ainge wants to trade Rondo.  I predict someone will read this and believe that Ainge doesn't care if not catering to Rondo leads to Rondo feeling resentful because he doesn't plan on trying to re-sign him as a free agent.

[tarheelsxxiii]

I'm surprised by how the Rondo situation has played out. I always assumed Ainge would trade him once the big 3 played out. And that may still be the case. But Rondo's attitude... in interviews, in game, throughout rehab.. I think has suggested he seems comfortable staying. I actually think that, despite losing, he really likes the leadership role bestowed upon him right now. Will be interesting to see which way this goes. I love the guy... hope he doesn't go but, if he does, it's to a contender.

[TheFlex]

I think in that same article Forsberg says that the screws were bothering Rondo. Whether he wants to trade him or not, it makes sense that Ainge would want him back on the court playing comfortably ASAP.

[BudweiserCeltic]

I think in that same article Forsberg says that the screws were bothering Rondo. Whether he wants to trade him or not, it makes sense that Ainge would want him back on the court playing comfortably ASAP.

Yeah, he said he was hoping to wait until All-Star Break to take them out, but there was a lot of soreness going on as it was.

[Moranis]

I see nothing wrong with getting them out sooner rather than later.  Get the procedure done and have like 4 or 5 days off to recover before the next game.  Makes perfect sense to me.

[pearljammer10]

According to Chris Forsberg:

Rondo said that, at halftime of Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers, team physician Brian McKeon and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge decided Rondo should undergo the procedure to remove them Saturday, given that Boston had three days off coming up after Saturday's game in Chicago.

Rondo, who missed considerable time in recent seasons while rehabbing from ACL surgery, lobbied to play Saturday, but lost that battle.

"I just wanted to go, travel with my team and play in Chicago," he said. Later he added: "I thought we'd have the day off Sunday anyway, and I thought I could do it Sunday. But they make those decisions."

One could simply explain Ainge's decision (and I think it was mainly his decision, with Dr. McKeon providing analysis of the options) to be purely business-related, making sure that his star is available for a home game.  Others could interpret this decision in a way that supports a belief that Ainge wants to trade Rondo.  I predict someone will read this and believe that Ainge doesn't care if not catering to Rondo leads to Rondo feeling resentful because he doesn't plan on trying to re-sign him as a free agent.

I see it as the team wanting to take the screw out the earliest they could in order give Rondo the extra rest while only missing the one game.

[mmmmm]

I see nothing wrong with getting them out sooner rather than later.  Get the procedure done and have like 4 or 5 days off to recover before the next game.  Makes perfect sense to me.

'Totally agree.

[manl_lui]

I see nothing wrong with getting them out sooner rather than later.  Get the procedure done and have like 4 or 5 days off to recover before the next game.  Makes perfect sense to me.

'Totally agree.

yea, Rondo's just competitive, that's why he feels that way. Danny made the right choice. If Rondo is recovering that fast, I don't see a reason to not take them out.

[sed522002]

At least this dispels the thought that Rondo made this decision himself and decided not to share it with Stevens (like some believed).

[satch]

Winning helps the soreness recover a little quicker.

[bdm860]

"I just wanted to go, travel with my team and play in Chicago," he said. Later he added: "I thought we'd have the day off Sunday anyway, and I thought I could do it Sunday. But they make those decisions."

There's probably a really simple explanation here.

Have you ever been to see a doctor for a non-emergency procedure on a Sunday?  The doctors office was probably closed. 

[mmmmm]

At least this dispels the thought that Rondo made this decision himself and decided not to share it with Stevens (like some believed).

I would say, "like some asserted".  It's not clear whether these folks actually believed it or not.  It certainly makes for yet another blob of mud to throw, hoping it sticks.

[Evantime34]

I'm glad to hear this. Rondo playing and risking injury isn't something that should be up to him.

[Donoghus]

Nothing wrong with this. 

Stretches of 3 straight off days don't come very often on an NBA schedule.  By my count, there would've been only one other opportunity before Feb. to pull it off (late Nov).  I'm more than fine sacrificing an early November game and getting this thing cleared up.

My guess is the only people that would have a problem with this are the same old usual suspects looking for anything to go after Rondo on.

EDIT:  Looks like they also have a stretch of three off at the end of Dec.

[D.o.s.]

At least this dispels the thought that Rondo made this decision himself and decided not to share it with Stevens (like some believed).

I would say, "like some asserted".  It's not clear whether these folks actually believed it or not.  It certainly makes for yet another blob of mud to throw, hoping it sticks.

How cynical.