Rajon Rondo hasn't responsed to the criticism Danny Ainge threw his way yesterday, but his agent clearly isn't pleased:
“I am just surprised that Danny is speaking, even if he considers it constructively, in a public setting [about Rondo],’’ agent Bill Duffy said in a phone interview. “I don’t think that it’s appropriate to say that about one of your top players. Even if it’s spoken constructively, I don’t think it should be done in public. I don’t think [Ainge] would like it if [Celtics managing partner] Wyc [Grousbeck] was talking about him in public.
Duffy said Rondo learned about Ainge’s interview after working out at the Celtics’ practice facility in Waltham. Rondo declined comment. As of last night, neither Duffy nor Rondo had spoken to Ainge. When asked how Rondo felt about Ainge’s comments, Duffy said: “He knows. He’s all right.’’
When asked if Ainge’s comments affected Rondo’s contract situation, Duffy said: “It doesn’t sound like a glowing endorsement. You say you love him and then you are critical? You’re certainly not recruiting him.’’
Rarely do I agree with agents, but Duffy is absolutely right. Rondo did nothing (that we know of) to warrant criticism from his boss. And it's not Rondo's fault these trade rumors are dominating the media landscape.
For the first time, Ray Allen has commented on the trade rumors:
"I'm happy where I am — I love Boston," Allen said. "The city has been great to me. Honestly, we can win another championship this year, and that's what I look forward to doing, and that's where I want to be."
"I spoke with [the Celtics] and for right now there is no desire to move me," Allen said.
"I obviously think my contract is attractive to a lot of teams that
want to get money off their books from the following year. It's part of
the business."
"Anything can happen. I've been traded twice in my career," Allen said.
"Being part of an organization where you're a cornerstone, anything can
happen."
There may not be a "desire" to move Ray, but the Celtics are definitely kicking the tires. Ray gets it anyways, he knows the deal and his comments reflect that.
The Cavs have finally pulled the trigger on the Shaq deal (I'm not a fan) and there's talk they might pursue Rasheed Wallace.
Peter Vecsey has the scoop on another potential blockbuster; Tracy McGrady, Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks for Amare Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa.
We'll have more on the Celtics potential draft picks throughout the day (I'm so bored with this draft. Wake me up when free agency begins).
Links: Herald - Heat is Off This Time Around | Murphy - C's Low on Draft | Bob Ryan - Curious Case of Rajon Rondo | Eagle Tribune - In Ainge, Fans Should Trust | Wake-up Call for Rondo
