Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo finished second to San Antonio’s Tony Parker in the Skills Challenge as part of festivities at All-Star Saturday night in Orlando.
Rondo needed a tie-breaker to edge Washington’s John Wall and get into the final round — actually navigating the obstacle course in the night’s best time of 27.5 seconds. But up first in the final round, Rondo needed three attempts at the bounce-pass station, finishing at 34.6 seconds. Parker was nearly flawless and checked in at 32.8 seconds, while New Jersey’s Deron Williams took third place at 41.4 seconds.
Rondo and Wall each produced first-round times of 32.8 seconds, forcing the tie-breaker. Ironically, that turned out to also be the winning time for Parker.
Congrats to Rajon Rondo for his showing in the NBA Skills Challenge. But let’s be honest, the competition is a joke. An 8th grader could blow through the course.
Why doesn’t the NBA spice it up?
Add moving passing targets. Have the players dribble with two basketballs. Add a moat full of alligators to the final scoring station.
The one thing the Skills Challenge has going for it… most of the top point guards do compete. The Dunk contest is loaded with nobodies.
Related links: CSNNE – Rondo 2nd in skills challenge | NBA.com – Video of Rondo in 1st round | Herald – Bad bounce thwarts Rondo | ESPN – Evans nets slam dunk title | Yahoo! – Love wins shootout
On Page 2, how Glen Davis could make it difficult for the Celts to resign Brandon Bass.
The Celtics are hoping that Brandon Bass exercises the player option on his contract at $4 million, which would be a bargain for his production. Or the Celtics could agree to an extension for Bass, who appears to have found a home in Boston. The contract that may affect matters is Glen Davis’s four-year, $26 million deal with the Magic. Davis has underperformed that contract, and Bass may hold out for something more.
Brandon Bass is averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds in 29 minutes per game. He fits perfectly into the Celtics offense. But will he fit next season when the roster (and possibly the offense) gets an overhaul?
Bass will have interest from other teams, but I hope he’s smart enough to sign with a team that will maximize his strengths. A team that will allow him to thrive as a mid-range jump shooter and on the fast break. He’s not a back-to-the-basket power forward.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Pierce is championship driven despite setbacks | ESPN Magazine – KG inspired radical player evaluation movement in NBA | Herald – Please come to Boston | Truth is this may be last hurrah |
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