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.
"He's not playing great right now, but I don't think he's slumping," Rivers said.
Whatever you call it, one thing is clear: Rondo is not playing Rondo-esque basketball.
And the Celtics are worse off for it.
On Monday, he had two points while missing 9 of his 10 shots from the field. He also had nine assists, which marked the fifth straight game he failed to tally double-digit assists — the longest such stretch for him this season. During that stretch, he's shooting 17-for-50, or 34 percent, from the field.
"I'm getting good looks. I'm getting shots, I'm getting floaters. I'm getting lay-ups. I'm just missing right now," Rondo said. "It's not mental. I'm just missing."
"He's human," Rivers said. "He's going to go through stretches just like Paul [Pierce], Ray [Allen] and Kevin [Garnett]. They've all gone through stretches."
CSNNE – Rivers on Rondo: He's human
The theories are flying around. Rondo is hurt. Rondo is still pissed about the Perkins trade. One reader went so far as to say Rondo is sufferering from depression.
I'll go with Doc's explanation. He's in a funk.
But I'll disagree with Rajon assertion that it's not mental because he's making a lot of mental mistakes. There have been two instances in this stretch where he's fouled guys taking three-pointers late in games. Offensively, not only is he struggling making shots, but he's struggling running the offense. How many times have you screamed at the TV – "What is he waiting for? Go to the hoop!"
Rondo tweaked an ankle last night, but it doesn't appear to be anything serious. If an injury was behind Rondo's woes, I bet Doc would let us know. He wouldn't let the media/fans question an injured player.
Let's hope Rondo gets back on track soon. Not only is he a key to winning, the Celtics offense is a lot more fun to watch when Rondo is slinging passes all over the court.
Related links: ESPN Boston – Rondo in a slump? | Herald – Rondo's been off lately
On Page 2, the Auerbach family is auctioning off all of Red's stuff.
Starting next month, SCP Auctions will put basketball memorabilia of Hall of Fame coach Arnold “Red” Auerbach on the block in three Internet auctions. Items include Auerbach’s 1968 Basketball Hall of Fame induction ring; his Boston Celtics championship rings from 1962, 1974, 1976 and 1981; his first contract to coach the Celtics signed by Auerbach and team owner Walter Brown in 1950; his 1957 Celtics satin warm-up jacket; and his 1,000th career win trophy presented to him on Feb. 13, 1966 at Boston Garden and several humidors from the cigar-loving coach’s collection.
SCP expects to raise at least $500,000 for Auerbach’s family from a three-part online sale of about 500 mementos from the team’s longtime coach and top executive.
Herald – Red Auerbach's championship memorabilia to be auctioned
Oh man… it's sad the Auerbach family has to auction off such great stuff. Then again… they are keeping 12 of his 16 championship rings.
I can't fault the Auerbach's for trying to make some cash. Like many of the athletes in his era, Red never made ridiculous money. I'm going to save up and make a bid on that 1981 ring. Any chance the top bid surpasses $200?
The rest of the links:
Globe – Uneven Celtics leveled | Glen Davis remains focused | Herald – Nothing but Nets vs Celtics | Shaq's done his part | CSNNE – Celtics fall flat | Krstic a pleasant surprise | Cs dug themselves a hole | Marshall: Celts are mentally exhausted | ESPN Boston – Nets 88 – Boston 79 | WEEI – Back to back woes continue |
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