Rondo: "I haven't played defense in a couple of years..."

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Not that I'm surprised, but that's disappointing to hear. His defense, pretty much after PP and KG got traded dipped, even though some nights he shows up, it's not really as close. Part if it is probably because he just lost interest after being dangled in trade blocks for years, but that's not an excuse IMO.

Whatever "context" you want to put it in, that's really something no player should probably say.

After KG and Paul for traded, he was coming off of acl surgery. The drop in defense at that point likely had more to do with lateral quickness than effort.

That's a fair point.

Not that I'm surprised, but that's disappointing to hear. His defense, pretty much after PP and KG got traded dipped, even though some nights he shows up, it's not really as close. Part if it is probably because he just lost interest after being dangled in trade blocks for years, but that's not an excuse IMO.

Whatever "context" you want to put it in, that's really something no player should probably say.

Fiction.

Funny, most NBA reporters have been reporting Rondo trade rumors for the past couple of years. I guess that is fiction.

[Eja117]

Hey, speaking of defense shouldn't the great Marcus Smart have been able to keep a guy that can't shoot for going for like 29 points tonight?

[kozlodoev]

Funny, most NBA reporters have been reporting Rondo trade rumors for the past couple of years. I guess that is fiction.

And that means that he must have been on the block for years, right? A ton of crap somehow finds its way on the Internet.

In fact, someone bothered to put all of these together. Most of them appear to be of the sort "they must be offering Rondo beause they got nothing else".

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/12/18/7418339/rajon-rondo-trade-rumors-history-celtics

And yet, somehow he wasn't traded until it was abundantly clear that he's not resigning with the team. Funny business, that.

[Celtics4ever]

Rondo really came at us tonight to make a point I think, that he was taking it easy here and coasting  with the D comments and the shooting tonight.  The highlight tape was great and many good memories of the times this man gave me in a Celtics Uniform.

[LilRip]

Rondo undoubtedly has allstar talent, but still, his recent comments pretty much reflect what a bunch of posters on here have been clamoring about for a while now.

[Sixth Man]

I don't think the full quote makes it worse, just highlights that the C's were hiding him on the weaker offensive threat at guard usually off the ball.

give it a rest Fafnir. The words came out his own mouth

One of biggest benefits of being confident in your own opinions, is not feeling the need to demand silence with those who see things another way.

Who are you going to believe, Fafnir or your lying eyes?  This is beyond ridiculous...

  Rondo's defense this year was bad for a while but it was fine the last 8-9 games he was on the Celts. If your eyes didn't tell you that, then you probably shouldn't believe them.

Tim, there were times this season when I was actually impressed not only with his effort (and even discipline !!!) on defense, but also his point guard play on offense.  Unfortunately, this only seemed to be true in certain games, but not others.  This is why I think Rondo can still be an excellent player and floor leader for the Mavs.  For what it's worth, I've viewed all but one of his games with the Mavs, and I think he is raising his game with them.  I get annoyed with Rondo, but I also genuinely like and respect many things about him, but this last quote was not one of them...

By the way, I'd love to see Rondo prosper in Dallas and meet Doc and the Clips in the Western Confernce Finals, with the winner to face off against Paul and Wizards.  None of this means, however, that I believe the Rondo trade wasn't the best thing for both player and the Celts.

[Sixth Man]

I'm shocked there's anything to debate about here. The quote is discouraging, plain and simple.

Rondo in a nutshell the past season "I played no defense,  let AB, Smart do the dirty work,  made KO , Sully look bad".

Let's all be honest - it doesn't take much to make Sully and Oly look bad defensively. They do that just fine on their own because they're not very good defensive players. There's a reason there's a ton of trade ideas where we receive a defensive minded center to "pair" with either Sully or Oly.

As far as the original quote - I'm sure he'll be asked to further talk about what he meant/clarify at some point before the game or postgame. What I think he meant - and this is my opinion, I'm not declaring it as fact - is that he didn't play on ball defense at the point of attack very much. If you've watched any Dallas games since he's been there, they've basically asked him to play AB's role - applying full court pressure, being the main guy to defend opposing points and allowing Monta (a pretty solid steals guy) to basically play free safety.

Rajon Rondo: "Well I haven't played defense in a couple of years, you know I've been able to hide it a lot with Avery Bradley on the ball. He's helping me out, the young guy. But here, they expect me to play defense. In the West, if you don't play defense you'll get embarrassed every night at the point guard position"

Previously right after being traded

Rondo on his legacy in Boston: "I believe it's a great legacy I left behind. I played extremely hard every night. I went out there and gave it all to my best for my organization and my fans"

Hey, Triboy, is this wonderful ink drawing of Jackie Chan a newfangled sort of Rorschach test?  I gotta tell ya that every time I look at it, I see the same thing - Jackie Chan !!!

[Sixth Man]

Don't follow the rationalizations about context. The full quote is every bit as annoying as the tweet. Why defend something as childish as this?

I get that Rondo may have had tongue-in-cheek -- whether he did or he didn't, it's still annoying.

Not defending anything, except that sensationalist pull quotes are just that -- sensationalist pull quotes. Beyond that,  the Rondo Rorschach test continues, even after he's left the team. If you were convinced he was slacking, this is confirmation. If you're giving him the benefit of the doubt in terms of his vocal delivery, then you're giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I. Am. Riveted.

I read the entire article and interview, and I see nothing that would suggest that his quote was taken out of context and therefore doesn't really mean what it seems to denote.  Perhaps you could quote the other surrounding parts of the interview which bolster your claim, D.o.s.  I would greatly appreciate this.

I said absolutely nothing about anything being taken out of Context. For more information:
http://bit.ly/1Dc5Z79

My point, is, mostly, that the tweet (which, by nature, functions as a bit of a pull quote insofar as it can only be 140 characters) would lead to more hot take action than the full quote, which is essentially Rondo copping to the same defensive deficiences that avail Tony Parker, who doesn't play defense because they have Kawhi, or Damian Lillard, who doesn't play defense because the Blazers have Wes Matthews and Batum. In other words, it's fairly uncontroversial statement and not worth anyone's time and/or panty twisting.

Fair enough, and thank you for your intelligent response.  I agree that Rondo is hardly the only player in NBA history to take it easy playing defense from time-to-time, or even for longer periods (such as entire careers... ).  It also certainly hasn't changed my world-view, nor my view on Rondo, one iota, but in 41 years as a diehard Celtics and NBA fan, I cannot recall having ever heard a player make such an admission.  His candor is remarkable, but not exactly laudable, is it? 

In any event, if you've viewed the video provided here in this thread and elsewhere, you can judge for yourself what Rondo's intent was and his attitude is.  It's a seven minute video, not a 140 character tweet.

[Sixth Man]

This may have already been pointed out but Stevens is seeming more and more like a pushover. The fact that Rondo can come out and say this like it's no big deal, makes me wonder if Stevens ever demands anything from his players.

I know we don't have the best defenders but there is a consistent lack of effort on the defensive end. I don't think this is a Rondo thing as much as it is the coach not getting his players to go to battle for him.

We basically have the ultimate Mr nice guy coaching the Celtics. Does anyone else think this is not going to work with Stevens?

Interesting question. Is it a coincidence that shortly after the trade, Sully and Jeff threw mini-tantrums after having their minutes cut?  Just wondering...

Maybe CBS is just beginning to develop a little spine.

[Sixth Man]

They sometimes say a gaffe is when a politician accidentally tells the truth.  This is kind of a basketball gaffe; lots of players coast heavily on D in the regular season, including guys better than Rondo.  And I have no doubt in some cases it's because coaches are telling them their role is primarily offensive (no idea if that's the case here).  But just like a political gaffe, it's a pretty dumb thing to come out and say, given how fans and the media tend to react.

Michael Kinsley's famous definition.

[GreenWarrior]

i'm just going to say what I gotta say on this and move on. because this threads already 12 pages and it was started yesterday...I can imagine how this went. and i'm sure I won't add anything new.

Rondo was a great player for this team weather you like him, love him or hate him. some feel he only tried when it was a big game or a national televised game, which may or may not be true. I tend to think if his half effort games were all losses then we might have something to Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline. about. they weren't losses in fact even his "half effort" games were pretty [dang] good.

Rondo raised his game in big games. that's undeniable and a stone-cold fact. somewhere along the line this became a bad thing for some people. And besides champion being used to describe Rondo when it's all said n' done they'll also be able to call him a big game player. no one can take those things away from him, they're fact.

Now, after these comments yesterday? i'm of the belief that everything I just said is true about Rondo and well the Celtics have not been in a big game in 2 yr's. and how do we know Rondo wasn't talking about coaching philosophy? do we see anyone else playing defense? because I don't.

either way, Rondo wanted out, that much is clear. I can't blame him, you go from playing with KG to Kelly Olynyk and you'd probably be bored to tears or just want to shoot yerself.

[AidaCelt]

Rondo is the anti KG. Just do the bare min . Use your star power to get younger guys to do your dirty work

Sorry to take this from another thread but this was taken from an article re: 2012 C's team:
“When you have Hall of Famers in (the gym), you feel no choice,” Dooling explains. “You follow them. Those guys kind of led by example. They had their routines down. They’re like machines. Their habits kind of became ours.”

Even after back-to-backs, that team would hit the gym.

“Nobody’s doing that. And when I say a lift, like, a hard lift,” Bradley says, smiling. “And that’s what we took pride in. We wanted to be that type of team.”

“I remember, man, I used to go, my shoes would be untied, walking to the weight room, still had my jersey on. It was funny. We used to be so tired, but we would all look at each other like, ‘Are we lifting today?’ We used to ask Rondo and he’d be like, ‘Yeah, man. We gon’ lift today.’”

Interesting how people look from the outside and make their minds up about a player.

[GreenWarrior]

Rondo is the anti KG. Just do the bare min . Use your star power to get younger guys to do your dirty work

Sorry to take this from another thread but this was taken from an article re: 2012 C's team:
“When you have Hall of Famers in (the gym), you feel no choice,” Dooling explains. “You follow them. Those guys kind of led by example. They had their routines down. They’re like machines. Their habits kind of became ours.”

Even after back-to-backs, that team would hit the gym.

“Nobody’s doing that. And when I say a lift, like, a hard lift,” Bradley says, smiling. “And that’s what we took pride in. We wanted to be that type of team.”

“I remember, man, I used to go, my shoes would be untied, walking to the weight room, still had my jersey on. It was funny. We used to be so tired, but we would all look at each other like, ‘Are we lifting today?’ We used to ask Rondo and he’d be like, ‘Yeah, man. We gon’ lift today.’”

Interesting how people look from the outside and make their minds up about a player.

some C's fans don't deserve to witness greatness again.

[D.o.s.]

Don't follow the rationalizations about context. The full quote is every bit as annoying as the tweet. Why defend something as childish as this?

I get that Rondo may have had tongue-in-cheek -- whether he did or he didn't, it's still annoying.

Not defending anything, except that sensationalist pull quotes are just that -- sensationalist pull quotes. Beyond that,  the Rondo Rorschach test continues, even after he's left the team. If you were convinced he was slacking, this is confirmation. If you're giving him the benefit of the doubt in terms of his vocal delivery, then you're giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I. Am. Riveted.

I read the entire article and interview, and I see nothing that would suggest that his quote was taken out of context and therefore doesn't really mean what it seems to denote.  Perhaps you could quote the other surrounding parts of the interview which bolster your claim, D.o.s.  I would greatly appreciate this.

I said absolutely nothing about anything being taken out of Context. For more information:
http://bit.ly/1Dc5Z79

My point, is, mostly, that the tweet (which, by nature, functions as a bit of a pull quote insofar as it can only be 140 characters) would lead to more hot take action than the full quote, which is essentially Rondo copping to the same defensive deficiences that avail Tony Parker, who doesn't play defense because they have Kawhi, or Damian Lillard, who doesn't play defense because the Blazers have Wes Matthews and Batum. In other words, it's fairly uncontroversial statement and not worth anyone's time and/or panty twisting.

Fair enough, and thank you for your intelligent response.  I agree that Rondo is hardly the only player in NBA history to take it easy playing defense from time-to-time, or even for longer periods (such as entire careers... ).  It also certainly hasn't changed my world-view, nor my view on Rondo, one iota, but in 41 years as a diehard Celtics and NBA fan, I cannot recall having ever heard a player make such an admission.  His candor is remarkable, but not exactly laudable, is it? 

In any event, if you've viewed the video provided here in this thread and elsewhere, you can judge for yourself what Rondo's intent was and his attitude is.  It's a seven minute video, not a 140 character tweet.

Well said. TP for the reasoned response.

[Sixth Man]

Don't follow the rationalizations about context. The full quote is every bit as annoying as the tweet. Why defend something as childish as this?

I get that Rondo may have had tongue-in-cheek -- whether he did or he didn't, it's still annoying.

Not defending anything, except that sensationalist pull quotes are just that -- sensationalist pull quotes. Beyond that,  the Rondo Rorschach test continues, even after he's left the team. If you were convinced he was slacking, this is confirmation. If you're giving him the benefit of the doubt in terms of his vocal delivery, then you're giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I. Am. Riveted.

I read the entire article and interview, and I see nothing that would suggest that his quote was taken out of context and therefore doesn't really mean what it seems to denote.  Perhaps you could quote the other surrounding parts of the interview which bolster your claim, D.o.s.  I would greatly appreciate this.

I said absolutely nothing about anything being taken out of Context. For more information:
http://bit.ly/1Dc5Z79

My point, is, mostly, that the tweet (which, by nature, functions as a bit of a pull quote insofar as it can only be 140 characters) would lead to more hot take action than the full quote, which is essentially Rondo copping to the same defensive deficiences that avail Tony Parker, who doesn't play defense because they have Kawhi, or Damian Lillard, who doesn't play defense because the Blazers have Wes Matthews and Batum. In other words, it's fairly uncontroversial statement and not worth anyone's time and/or panty twisting.

Fair enough, and thank you for your intelligent response.  I agree that Rondo is hardly the only player in NBA history to take it easy playing defense from time-to-time, or even for longer periods (such as entire careers... ).  It also certainly hasn't changed my world-view, nor my view on Rondo, one iota, but in 41 years as a diehard Celtics and NBA fan, I cannot recall having ever heard a player make such an admission.  His candor is remarkable, but not exactly laudable, is it? 

In any event, if you've viewed the video provided here in this thread and elsewhere, you can judge for yourself what Rondo's intent was and his attitude is.  It's a seven minute video, not a 140 character tweet.

Well said. TP for the reasoned response.

Thank you, and a TP for you, too.  It's always a pleasure to converse with you...

By the way, I couldn't stop giggling after hearing the "no defense" remark.  You gotta hand it to Rondo, he is truly one-of-a-kind.  I wish him well in Dallas, and it would be pretty cool to see him win a title there.