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.
In fact, if it had been up to Rondo, he never would have tried out for the USA squad that ended a 16-year drought by defeating Turkey for the 2010 FIBA World Championship title. Rondo said several factors contributed to his subpar performance with the squad -- being worn out from the Celtics' narrow Finals loss to the Lakers, his mind on making up for it this season; missing his two-year old daughter; mourning the death of an uncle; and being disenchanted with European cuisine -- ultimately leading him to withdraw from the team.
[...] His agent, Bill Duffy, insists that it was his idea that Rondo compete.
"Physically, emotionally, he wasn't ready for it," Duffy said. "I feel bad because I was really pushing him to do it because of the experience and his stature."
ESPN: Rajon Rondo wants to win in Boston
Rajon had a lot of people pushing him to do something he ultimately didn't want to do. His agent, Doc, Danny... all of theme encouraged him to do play for Team USA when Rondo only wanted to rest. In the piece, Rajon says:
"I feel like I had to take advantage of the opportunity I have right now to win another championship. It's not often you get to play with four Hall of Famers. Another couple of years and I won't have that."
I admit... I probably would have been one of the people pushing Rajon to go to Europe for the same reasons his agent laid out. But Rajon is a pretty strong-willed guy... and I'm thinking the experience had to wow him for him to stick around. It didn't, so he didn't.
But if you look at it, this really was a no-lose situation. Rondo either goes to the Worlds, experiences a different brand a basketball and grows his game as a result... or he stays home, works out and prepares for another championship run.
And how about the wherewithal to know he's in as limited a window as the four Hall of Famers... regardless of how limitless his potential seems? Think about the attitude he has here... understanding the situation he's in and how rare it is... and couple that with Kendrick Perkins talking about appreciating the opportunity to play with these guys. THAT'S the kind of attitude that makes this work in Boston.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Rondo & The Rock | Nation of Blue: Doc Rivers pays a visit to watch volleyball | WEEI: Celtics countdown: No 3. Ray's return | Pro Basketball Talk: Shaq: The brilliant buffoon | Fanhouse: Bedbugs shutdown flagship Nike store | ESPN: Sources: Denver listening to offers for Melo