Celtics 1, Rumors 0

"Look Rajon... it's not that we don't like you.  Ok....  I think you're a bit of
a d-bag... but Danny likes you.  Well..... Danny thinks you're kind of a punk
but I'm pretty sure the guys like you.  Ok... you know what... just go
take some jumpers, will ya?"

I'll admit... I was a little bit worried as I watched the NBA draft that we'd hear about some kind of Celtics trade.  As much as I didn't believe any of the rumors, you can't help but think something is brewing after you're inundated with rumors.

But we're not out of the woods yet.  All this quiet means is the Celtics didn't want to trade higher up this draft.  Looking at all the picks that were made, I can't think of a single player, other than maybe Blake Griffin, that I really would like to have on this team.  As for the Lester Hudson pick at #58, it seems like Danny got the best possible guy at that spot... at least according to Chad Ford:

Analysis: Danny Ainge didn't have a lot to work with (the Celtics' first-round pick was sent to Minnesota in the Kevin Garnett trade) and drafted a guy who put up huge numbers in college. Hudson is a combo guard who can shoot, score, pass and rebound. He is old for the draft and hasn't played against great competition, but at No. 58, you usually don't find players with his ability.

As for the rumors, Danny came out and reiterated his desire to keep Rajon Rondo

“We’re not trading Rondo,” Ainge said. “We love Rondo. We always have. He’s not perfect. He’s a young player that has to get better. We just don’t like it when you’re late.”

Same song for Danny there... lots of love for Rondo, followed by a little dig.  This is all about head games.  But Danny did sort of admit to Jessica Camerato that some discussions have been taking place.

“There was many rumors that had my head scratching a little bit,” he said. “Most of them are either made up or completely distorted or three weeks late.”

When something is completely distorted or 3 weeks late... that means there is some truth to it.  I don't care that the rumors were reported 3 weeks after they happened... the fact is, the Celtics have been actively pursuing some kind of trade with someone.  Maybe not to the extent we think, but it has happened.

As for the rest of the draft, two things of note.  First:  Ricky Rubio might opt to stay in Spain rather than report to Minnesota.  Second:  San Antonio is absolutely killing it so far in the off-season.  First, they turned 3 nobodies into Richard Jefferson.  Second, they eagerly snapped up DeJuan Blair in the second round... getting a first round talent that might be able to contribute immediately.  No team has done more to improve themselves this offseason than the Spurs. 

Loy's Place:  Orlando summer league schedule  |  YouTube (via KWAPT): Lester Hudson highlights  |  Paul Flannery: 5 things we learned about this year's draft  | Souza:  The curious case of Rajon Rondo  |  Herald:  Doc thinks Rondo is staying put  |  Rondo's camp miffed  |  Celtics pick Hudson  |  It's all about now for the Celtics  |  Rival trades no big deal  |  Globe:  Shank - Now is not the time to trade Rondo  |  Celtics select Hudson  |  Activity all around Celtics in East  |  Cavs finish Shaq deal  |  Sporting News:  Winners determined in trades, not draft  |  NESN:  Celtics mine potential diamond in the rough