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"You (media) guys may have heard the rumors, and they might have been true," Rondo said. "He (Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations) may have been shopping me."
But conversations with Ainge and Celtics head coach Doc Rivers helped put Rondo's mind at ease regarding the trade talk.
"I talked to both of those guys about a week ago," Rondo said. "They were straight-up with me, honest. Teams were calling. I don't think they were trying to intentionally ship me. But obviously, you have to entertain the calls. He (Ainge) told me he wanted me here, and I'm still here."
CSNNE: Rondo putting rumors to bed
A lot of things have been said about Rajon Rondo lately. And I'll admit, a lot of them have been true in the past. But yesterday, Rajon Rondo handled himself with poise and professionalism when addressing the media about all the trade rumors circulating over the past couple of weeks.
So let it be known unequivocally, there is ZERO effect on his personality. The trade rumors have NOT messed with his head. He is NOT going into a funk because Danny discussed him for Chris Paul.
Digest that last paragraph. Commit it to memory. Because I guarantee someone will bring it up the first bad game he has. But you can go to anyone who was there yesterday and they'll tell you the same thing: not only was Rajon Rondo seemingly unaffected by the rumors, it almost feel like he's a new man.
So props to Rajon for continuing his progression and continuing to grow. I'm excited to see how this translates on the court. I'm genuinely excited.
Related links: CSNNE: Rondo: "I'm still here" | ESPNBoston: Rondo unfazed by rumors | Herald: Playful Rondo earns points | WEEI: Rondo: I'm happy to be here | Rajon Rondo wins the first day of training camp | Globe: Rondo has firm grip on reins | MWDN: Rondo addresses rumors on first day of camp
On Page 2: The David West deal appears to be dead
Ainge, known for his blockbuster moves, nearly pulled off another one last night when he reportedly came close to signing pricey free agent David West. It was unclear whether he attempted to use restricted free agent Jeff Green in a sign-and-trade to make the deal for West possible.
“They’re out of that race, but they did try,” said a league source.
Herald: Marquis Daniels back even better
I seriously would have built an altar to our God Danny Ainge if he pulled this off. David freaking West?? I know he's coming off ACL surgery but so what? ACL surgery is nothing anymore. It's damn near routine surgery these days.
And I'm still not 100% sure the Celtics are out of the running yet. Actually, I'm not 100% sure of anything anymore… so we'll see how this plays out.
As it is, Danny has done a pretty damn good job re-building this team's bench with almost nothing at his disposal. He basically traded injured Marquis Daniels for healthy Marquis Daniels and Keyon Dooling (using the trade exception and 2nd round pick they got for him). He turned Glen Davis into Brandon Bass. he brought Jeff Green back on a one-year deal. And Chris Wilcox is a nice addition. And the C's still have room to get more.
It's like giving a guy $10 and tell him "go to the supermarket and get enough to feed your whole family"… and then having the guy come home with a turkey dinner. I don't know how he did it, but he's done a great job so far.
Related links: WEEI: Celtics bench takes shape | Herald: Celtics go bye-bye Baby, hello Bass | Globe: Celtics add 3 free agents
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Pierce, Allen welcome new season | Wheelin' and dealin' at Celtics camp | Rookie Moore lands guaranteed deal | Baby: "I'm not happy, I'm ecstatic" | The Brandon Bass file | Don't cry for Big Baby | WEEI: Another NBA conspiracy theory | Herald: Stern foolish to block Paul trade | Mavericks working on deal for Vince Carter | Globe: Wild day of transactions | Getting the ball rolling | Green returns in one year deal
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