BOSTON – To say it's been a challenging season for Rajon Rondo would probably be an understatement.
The Celtics' lone holdover from the Big Three era has been unable to lift the Celtics back to respectability since returning from a torn right ACL in January.
The newly named captain has also been the subject of plenty of criticism and speculation in recent weeks. The guard's name was floated in trade rumors all the way until the trade deadline in late February. Then, just days later, Rondo elected to skip out on a Celtics' game in Sacramento to celebrate his birthday with family in Los Angeles, despite requests from both Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens to remain with the team.
Those circumstances made many Boston fans wonder if this would be the final year we see Rondo in a Celtics uniform.
Wyc Grousbeck tried to squash those thoughts earlier this week however, coming out in support of his franchise star in comments to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
"[Rondo]'s loved right here, from my seat on the court," Grousbeck said. "I love the guy. I love his championship ring when he was the young kid. I love his growth. It reminds me of Paul Pierce. Growing from the moments in his younger days and making progress towards being an all-time Celtic and a leader. I am always hopeful that a guy like that is going to stay around."
After a 87-80 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Rondo acknowledged after the game how much he appreciates the vote of confidence from Grousbeck.
"It means a lot," Rondo explained. "Especially coming from the head guy. With all the rumors swirling and the criticism that was happening throughout the past couple weeks, he stuck his neck out. He didn't have to say anything but he did. I talked to Wyc since then and everything is where it's suppose to be."
As the Celtics continue through a difficult phase of rebuilding this season, sweeping changes are likely on the horizon once this summer rolls around. Boston is armed with several first round draft picks and a large trade exception, which could help them turn things around in a hurry.
The team also has a top-flight player in Rondo at their disposal. Whether the team elects to deal him for additional assets or sign him to an extension after his contract expires next season remains to be seen. For now though, Grousbeck's talk of wanting to keep Rondo in Boston long-term is helping put the longest tenured Celtic at ease.
"We had a dinner at the beginning of the year," Rondo said, "And Wyc expressed how he felt about me. I don't think he's a liar. I know he's not a liar. He didn't have to tell me anything. Him and I, we spoke. What he said recently hasn't changed."
Grousbeck's admiration does not guarantee that Rondo will stay a Celtics forever. However, it does give him an important advocate when the decisions are made about his future.
For now, all Rondo can do as he continues to progress back into top basketball shape after ACL surgery is to try to prove to the rest of the Celtics' brass that he's worth investing in for the long haul.
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter @CelticsHub.
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Celtics' Rondo Appreciates Owner Grousbeck's Supportive Comments
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BOSTON – To say it's been a challenging season for Rajon Rondo would probably be an understatement.
The Celtics' lone holdover from the Big Three era has been unable to lift the Celtics back to respectability since returning from a torn right ACL in January.
The newly named captain has also been the subject of plenty of criticism and speculation in recent weeks. The guard's name was floated in trade rumors all the way until the trade deadline in late February. Then, just days later, Rondo elected to skip out on a Celtics' game in Sacramento to celebrate his birthday with family in Los Angeles, despite requests from both Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens to remain with the team.
Those circumstances made many Boston fans wonder if this would be the final year we see Rondo in a Celtics uniform.
Wyc Grousbeck tried to squash those thoughts earlier this week however, coming out in support of his franchise star in comments to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
"[Rondo]'s loved right here, from my seat on the court," Grousbeck said. "I love the guy. I love his championship ring when he was the young kid. I love his growth. It reminds me of Paul Pierce. Growing from the moments in his younger days and making progress towards being an all-time Celtic and a leader. I am always hopeful that a guy like that is going to stay around."
After a 87-80 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Rondo acknowledged after the game how much he appreciates the vote of confidence from Grousbeck.
"It means a lot," Rondo explained. "Especially coming from the head guy. With all the rumors swirling and the criticism that was happening throughout the past couple weeks, he stuck his neck out. He didn't have to say anything but he did. I talked to Wyc since then and everything is where it's suppose to be."
As the Celtics continue through a difficult phase of rebuilding this season, sweeping changes are likely on the horizon once this summer rolls around. Boston is armed with several first round draft picks and a large trade exception, which could help them turn things around in a hurry.
The team also has a top-flight player in Rondo at their disposal. Whether the team elects to deal him for additional assets or sign him to an extension after his contract expires next season remains to be seen. For now though, Grousbeck's talk of wanting to keep Rondo in Boston long-term is helping put the longest tenured Celtic at ease.
"We had a dinner at the beginning of the year," Rondo said, "And Wyc expressed how he felt about me. I don't think he's a liar. I know he's not a liar. He didn't have to tell me anything. Him and I, we spoke. What he said recently hasn't changed."
Grousbeck's admiration does not guarantee that Rondo will stay a Celtics forever. However, it does give him an important advocate when the decisions are made about his future.
For now, all Rondo can do as he continues to progress back into top basketball shape after ACL surgery is to try to prove to the rest of the Celtics' brass that he's worth investing in for the long haul.
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter @CelticsHub.
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