Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
With the draft still eight days away, and with the only “news” being rumors about trades and mock drafts that have the Celtics selecting any of five or six different newbies, let’s take a moment to check in on an old friend.
Back in December, Rajon Rondo caught a lot of (very deserved) criticism for delivering a homophobic slur to referee Bill Kennedy. A short time after the awful words were used, Kennedy revealed he is gay, making Rondo look like even more of a jerk.
Because of that history, Rondo’s seemingly heartfelt support of the LGBT community on ESPN’s The Jump felt even more powerful. Days after the Orlando mass shooting, Rondo started off with another apology for what he once said to Kennedy before turning his thoughts to the recent tragedy.
“Want to send my thoughts and prayers out to the LGBT community,” Rondo said on The Jump. “The only thing that’s going to stop all this madness is love. The only thing that can conquer hate is love. So I think that’s what we need to do is love one another. My prayers and thoughts go out to the community of Orlando.”
MassLive – Rajon Rondo, Stephen Jackson support Orlando LGBT community on ESPN’s The Jump
During his time with the Celtics, Rondo’s skills were often overshadowed by his ability to piss off fans and local media. However, his comments above demonstrate maturity and deserve applause. And that wasn’t all the point guard had to say in his appearance on ESPN.
“There were too many distractions on and off the court. The organization as a whole, I don’t think was together completely. I think as a team you have to want the best for the next man beside you, and that wasn’t the case with the Sacramento Kings,” he said.
Of Cousins’ relationship with former Kings coach George Karl and his staff, Rondo said there was “a lot of tension at first.”
“Too much tension. I’ve never witnessed or experienced a thing like that in my 10-year career,” he said.
CBS Sports – Rajon Rondo on Kings mess: ‘Never witnessed or experienced a thing like that’
With the Celts, Rondo had a bunch of crazy episodes – the birthday party in L.A. on the night his team was playing elsewhere comes to mind. He also had some awkward moments in Dallas, clashing so hard with coach Rick Carlisle that he was thrown off the team during the playoffs. So for Rajon to say these things about the Kings must mean Sacramento was more dysfunctional than the Kardashians.
Related: The Ringer – Decoding Rajon Rondo’s Interview With Rachel Nichols
On Page 2: Cs can’t escape Shaq’s mocking
NBA TV aired its annual rundown of “Shaqtin’ a Fool” winners, and the Celts grabbed their share of the spotlight. Here are three clips featuring Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart and a top-five appearance by Jared Sullinger. Awkward!
The worst flop in @NBA history… https://t.co/XVGDHQZKEH
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 15, 2016
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The @NBA‘s version of the infamous Butt Fumble… #Shaqtin https://t.co/sje0WnJCjs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 15, 2016
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Here are the Top 5 #Shaqtin moments presented by @hotelsdotcom https://t.co/nrmgXD6194
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 15, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAnd, finally: But Mike, he’s never won anything!
OK, so maybe it’s just me. But can someone explain why Jason Kidd got a 3-year, $18 million extension from Milwaukee after going 33-49?
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) June 14, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOur sympathies to Bucks fans. Not only are their tax dollars helping to finance a new arena for billionaire team owners, now they’re stuck with Jason Kidd running their team for three more years. If there’s a Milwaukee equivalent of Felger & Mazz, they can’t be happy.
Kidd’s contract extension is similar to the one the Celtics just handed to Brad Stevens. Comparing their coaching achievements and potential, you’d have to say Milwaukee is not getting the best bang for its Bucks.
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Five Reasons The Celtics Might Pass On Kevin Love
CBS Boston – Former Celtics Guard Nate Robinson Works Out For Seattle Seahawks
NBC Sports – Report: Chinese draft prospect Zhou Qi agrees to buyout that will let him join NBA in 2017 | Report: Ben Simmons will not work out for Sixers, Lakers, anyone
SB Nation – Why traditional big men are the new running backs of the NBA Draft
MassLive – Ridiculous reasons the Boston Celtics should (or shouldn’t) pick guys at No. 3
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