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.
“We were all told by the league he was a trade-able player, and now they’re saying that Dell doesn’t have the authority to make the trade?” said an NBA executive who had periodic talks with New Orleans throughout the process. “Now, they’re saying that Dell is an idiot, that he can’t do it his job. [Expletive] this whole thing. David’s drunk on power, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the players, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the hundreds of hours the teams put in to make that deal.
“How do the Lakers explain this to Odom? How does Houston deal with the guys it just tried to trade? Scola and Martin are going to be pissed at them, and who knows how long that takes to get over? Explain to me how the league kills this Pau Gasol deal, but allows Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol?
“To me, this makes the league feel like it’s rigged, that Stern just does whatever Stern wants to do. He’s messed up the competitive balance of this league a lot worse by killing the deal, because you’ve completely destroyed the planning that New Orleans, Houston did and left them in shambles over this. I’ve never been so discouraged about this league, never so down.
“I mean, come on: Chris Paul is leaving New Orleans in 66 games. He’s gone. And what’s Dell Demps, and that franchise, going to have to show for it?”
Yahoo! – Stern kills Lakers deal for Paul
The diehard Celtics fan in me is thrilled Chris Paul will not be wearing a Lakers jersey. But this situation is a disaster. The bottom line is David Stern – who authority over this personnel move because the NBA owns New Orleans – negated the trade because many owners felt it was unfair.
The big, bad owners – the guys who shut down the league over the summer and fall in order to dismantle the CBA and install a new one that promoted balance – threw a tantrum. Who led the charge? Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. Read his email to the commissioner.
It's an embarrassing situation. One that will scar the league for more than the lockout. What will come out of this? Chris Paul has to stay in New Orleans. He cannot be traded anywhere. And the biggest lesson learned? The league should NEVER assume ownership of teams.
Related links – ESPN LA: League sets dangerous precedent | Leave it to NBA to undercut own team | CSNNE – Bad deal, commissioner |
On Page 2, should we be concerned about Rondo's psyche?
Rondo has not spoken to the media since the trade rumors surfaced, but if there is anything that has become clear during his five years in Boston, it’s his sensitivity. Despite brash confidence that has been known to anger opponents, Rondo revels in his insecurity. He remains that unorthodox guard from Kentucky who was begged to stay in school after his sophomore season.
He is the guard few believed was mature and savvy enough lead the Big Three to an NBA title, which he did in 2008. He remains a player who privately pouts over criticism and refuses to acknowledge his glaring weaknesses.
Ainge is going to have to conduct damage control over the next few weeks, because Rondo is going to view him with a crooked eye, wondering what trade scenario is next. Rondo for Stephen Curry? Rondo for Brandon Jennings? Rondo for Jason Kidd?
None of those deals are happening, but Rondo has to enter camp today with a soaring level of doubt as to whether the Celtics truly trust his floor leadership.
Globe – Rondo: Handle with care
This is the most overblown issue in all of these trades and rumors. Yes, Rondo might be annoyed with Danny Ainge. But I guarantee Ray Allen, a sure fire HOFer who's been traded twice, can explain the nature of the business. Same goes for Kevin Garnett.
What's Rondo's recourse? Is he going to sulk? Or is he going to come out pissed and take out his frustration on the opponent?
The rest of the links:
Globe – Jermaine says he's pain free | Bradley finding comfort level | CSNNE – Friday FTs: Scal comes home | Training camp taking shape | Herald – Far from a Marquis move | Jermaine healthy, hungry to help | ESPN – Dwight Howard eyeing New Jersey |
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
