Bucket of Gold

“So, here was Rondo surrounded with an embarrassment of point guard riches – K.G., Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, a championship banner and a fat, new $55 million contract. Rondo felt emboldened, eager to engage Paul. The procession of trash talk, sources said, pushed into the personal when Rondo was heard to tell Paul, ‘I’ve got a ring, and you’re never gonna win one.’”

Well. That wasn’t a nice thing for Rondo to say. There’s no way around that. But isn’t the NBA built on trash talking? Is that the worst thing that’s ever been said? Not at all. It was mean and it was a low blow but I bet, that in a game that featured Rondo, Chris Paul (who has said himself that he turns in to a meaner guy on the court), KG and Rasheed Wallace, it wasn’t even the worst thing said all game. I wondered what was said after the incident, when the Celtics were being hush hush about it- and when I found out what was said that allegedly sent Paul over the top; it was kind of an anticlimactic moment. I expected it to be a real zinger, you know, something about Paul’s mother or his personal hygiene.  But, “I’ve got a ring and you’re never gonna win one?” Playground stuff.  Chris Paul has been in the league for what, 5 years? Lebron’s been in the league for 7 and hasn’t won one yet. KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were all in the league for more than ten years and battled on, playing for non-playoff teams before they won one. This non-incident between Rondo and Chris Paul is garnering so much attention because Chris Paul is widely considered to be the best point guard in the league and Rondo is- what? Supposed to fall in line, play his part and defer to Paul? No.

I actually really like Chris Paul. He went to Wake Forest, he went on “Wait, wait don’t tell me,” (one of my favorite NPR programs) and aced it. And, aside from being the best point guard in the league, he has a really great smile. I’m not trying to argue that Rondo is better. My problem with this article and this situation as a whole comes later in the article:  

“He (Paul) needs more help. He needs a level plane. For now, Chris Paul isn’t chasing championships in New Orleans. He’s chasing windmills. He’s just trying to get back to .500, just trying to make the playoffs. Bring Rondo and his tough-talking mouth to New Orleans, and, well, the $55 million point guard would look like he’s lording over the Sacramento Kings. Before you talk your trash again, feel free to walk a season in Chris Paul’s Brand Jordans.”

So because Chris Paul is the best point guard and because he’s a great guy- he’s somehow off limits for trash talking? Again, I don’t think Rondo should have said what he said- but this run in between Rondo and Paul is far from being an isolated incident. Guys go at each other night in and night out, for the full 48 minutes. Rondo and Chris Paul had both already been whistled for technicals earlier in the game (What? Chris Paul got a technical? Rondo wasn’t maniacally talking to nobody the whole game?). Rondo is far from being the only player in the league guilty of making gratuitous and below the belt comments. I think guys should just play the game, but that’s not how it happens. Wasn’t it obnoxious and rude when Kobe ran around yelling, “HE CAN’T GUARD ME,” in reference to Houston’s Shane Battier this last post season? Was that okay because he’s Kobe and he’s one of the best ever?

And why is Rondo being denigrated in this article for playing with an “embarrassment of point guard riches?” He rebounds better than any other point guard in the league. In the four games played so far this season he’s dished out 10, 11, 16 and 10 assists. He’s as fast as lightening and his ball handle is out of this world. He takes the ball in the paint with the best of them. All of that is not because of the Big Three. Undoubtedly, he’s lucky to get to play with three future Hall of Famers. They’ve done a lot to make him better… But that’s what teammates are for, isn’t it? Hasn’t he, too, helped them to get better? Rondo is a key part in what makes the Celtics starting five as cohesive and fine tuned as they are. At 23 years old, he is the floor general for a veteran filled, champion caliber team and he will be the cornerstone for the franchise for years to come. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league, but Rajon Rondo is not exactly Sebastian Telfair (no offense) in comparison. Rondo is a truly unique player. He has the potential to be a franchise player even without being a prolific scorer. Oh and he would score more than he does, but that wouldn’t be the best way for him to keep the wins coming in for the Celtics.

Mr. Wojnarowski states that Chris Paul would not need the supporting cast that Rondo has to win a ring. What does Chris Paul need, then? Besides the fact that he’s capable of averaging a double double for the season, David West is an all star, Mo Peterson and Peja Stojakovic are able scorers and Emeka Okafor is a phenomenal basketball player I’d love to have on my team. Oh and that, “Celtics left over sixth man…. who can barely function on the floor this season,” a.k.a. James Posey? Banner 17 would never have been won without him. The Hornets are full of talent. That’s not enough to win a championship because a tremendous level of talent, like what the Big Three have, is what it takes. Mr. Wojnarowski applauds Chris Paul for patiently sticking with the Hornets and not demanding that they break the bank or trade him. Isn’t it worth mentioning that Paul is patiently sticking with the Hornets… And he’s the highest paid point guard in the league?  The Big Three came together because Paul Pierce demanded that the Celtics put together a team that he could win a championship with. It’s what great player’s do because it’s not possible to win it alone. Kobe demanded Pau Gasol. Paul got Ray and Kevin. Lebron got Shaq. The Magic put together a staggering amount of talent.

So I’m sorry that Chris Paul’s supporting cast is lackluster, and that the Hornet’s management is sub-par. Unfortunately for you, Adrian Wojnarowski, Chris Paul’s rising frustrations are not the fault of Rajon Rondo.