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.
Rondo said president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and team doctor Brian McKeon decided Friday night that he wouldn’t play the following day in Chicago. They informed Rondo of the plan after the Celtics took down the Indiana Pacers.
“Danny made a decision at halftime,” Rondo said. “I didn’t have any idea. I came in very pissed off (once the team informed him), but the team got the win (without Rondo in Chicago).”
MassLive: Rondo not thrilled he needed to miss a game
This just shows you how competitive Rondo is. Here he is, getting screws removed at a time that minimizes his time lost, and he’s still mad about missing that one game. In case you missed yesterday’s update, Rondo had hoped to get to the All Star break with the screws still in his hand, but that didn’t work out.
This is probably the kind of thing that would have set Rondo off in years past, and led him to take his frustrations out on the media. It seems that he’s getting over these things a little more quickly, and being more honest and open about them afterwards. It’s a sign of growth.
I’ll say this for millionth time… The kid has spent his 20’s growing up in public. And when Gary Tanguay, for example, says that he feels like a disappointed father whose son hasn’t lived up to his expectations, then I’d challenge him to raise one of his children in public like Rondo. Every time a 21 year-old Tanguay throw a tantrum, I want microphones in that kid’s face and then Chuck and I will discuss it for hours on a podcast.
My point is, I don’t care if you’re some kid fresh out of UMass Lowell or the point guard of the Boston Celtics… your 20’s are your 20’s and you’re going to behave like someone learning life and growing up. Some people do it better than others, but not everyone does it the way professional athletes do it. So I’m taking this story of being pissed off, but brushing it off and talking openly to the media about it (and admitting it) as a little positive sign of how he’s growing into his role, and growing up.
Is it a huge deal? No. It’s relatively minor. But, to me, it’s like one of those photo mosaics. This thing is like one of those tiny little pictures that you look at and think “yeah, so??” But when you pull back you see that it’s part of a much bigger picture.
Related links: Globe: After forced hiatus, Rondo ready to go | Herald: Rondo wanted to run with Bulls | CSNNE: Rondo unhappy with missing Bulls game | Rondo returns to practice | Boston.com: Rondo was not pleased to miss a game for hand procedure | WEEI: Rondo did not want to miss last Saturday’s game vs. Bulls
Page 2: Kendrick Perkins is still awesome
In a pregame speech intended to motivate his teammates, Kendrick Perkins didn’t seem too impressed with the Kings and their strong start, telling them that despite it all, “these mother f—ers are still the Sacramento Kings.”
Perkins may not have been wrong on this night, as the Thunder came away with the 101-93 victory in spite of the apparent mismatch.
Say what you want about Perk, we still love the guy. And I think it’s a riot that NBA players have the attitude that “pffft… I don’t care about their record, they’re still the Kings.” Good luck in free agency, Sacramento.
Perk and the Thunder are in town tonight.
Related links: Globe: C’s face Thunder team treading water until stars return | Celtics.com: Celtics prep for Thunder’s lengthy zone
And Finally…
.@RajonRondo showing his appreciation for #VeteransDay at practice today. pic.twitter.com/MP7adP33rW
— Emily Austen (@emilyausten_) November 11, 2014
And we thank our veterans for their service as well… especially the many men and women reading us who have served… or who may still be serving. It’s an honor to know that we’re part of how you connect back home.
Related links: CSNNE: Rondo gives thanks to veterans | Snapshot: Rondo’s Veteran’s Day socks
The rest of the links:
Herald: Sorry Celtics fans, but LeBron James tops Larry Bird | Rondo, Celtics, on the move | CSNNE: Blakely’s power rankings: Grit, grind, Griz | Thornton day-to-day after sprained ankle | Surprise! Celtics are NBA’s number 2 scoring team | ESPN Boston: Smart watches, rehabs | WEEI: Magic 9 Ball: Rondo trade barometer v1.0 | NESN: Smart’s ankle progressing as it should, says Stevens (Video) | Olynyk, Sullinger driving Celtics’ offensive emergence (podcast) | Thornton twists ankle, C’s prep for Thunder
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