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Ainge: Rondo move tough to make

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

BOSTON -- Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said lingering uncertainty about Rajon Rondo's future in Boston, along with the team's inability to immediately surround him with impact players, contributed to his decision to trade him to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Celtics shipped the four-time All-Star point guard and rookie power forward Dwight Powell to Dallas on Thursday night for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, two future draft picks and a $12.9 million trade exception. And while Ainge admitted that giving up the best player in the deal ran counter to the team's typical philosophy with swaps, he believed it was the right move for the Celtics moving forward.

The Mavericks had called Boston to inquire about Rondo's availability in the years since former point guard Jason Kidd's departure, while the Celtics had inquired with Dallas about Wright and Crowder in recent seasons. A deal came together quickly in recent days when both sides revisited those talks, even as attempts to add a third team fizzled.

"There was definitely uncertainty into what might happen [with Rondo as a free agent] this summer," Ainge said Friday night while addressing reporters for the first time since the swap. "That was a big factor. We liked the players that we got in the trade. But, listen, with his impending free agency, and the uncertainty of what might happen this summer, I think that gave us the impetus of wanting to do a deal."

Encouraged in part by Rondo's desire to be part of a contending team, the Celtics explored adding impact players this offseason -- Kevin Love among the most notable -- but were unsuccessful, and a team that won 25 games last year continued to struggle in the early stages of the 2014-15 campaign.

Ainge noted the team was also eager to see how Rondo performed this season, further removed from ACL surgery, and as the focal point of a young team. While Rondo dazzled as a distributor, he failed to take over games -- particularly in the fourth quarter -- the way an elite player on the verge of a maximum contract might be expected to.

It all added up to Thursday's swap, though it still wasn't easy for Ainge to bid farewell to the last remaining member of the team's latest Big Three era.

"It was hard. Yeah, it was very difficult to move Rajon," Ainge said. "I know it's a business in professional sports, but you really develop a lot of close relationships and I loved watching Rajon, I loved visiting with him, our one-on-one conversations were fun, entertaining, frustrating sometimes. And always a surprise.

Danny Ainge says a major reason he traded Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks was the possibility the Celtics would lose the point guard in free agency.
"The guy was a very unique person. But watching him grow and watching him develop as a man and as a person and as a basketball player, I just enjoyed my interactions with him. It was an emotional time as we met last night. It was not an easy thing to do. But I believe it was the right thing to do."

Both Ainge and Celtics coach Brad Stevens met with Rondo at the team's practice facility Thursday evening in the aftermath of the trade and wished him well.

"We all feel like Rajon had a tremendous impact -- and I'm understating it and stating the obvious here -- but he had a tremendous impact on this organization, this city, certainly as a championship member of the Celtics and I think, to a man in that locker room, the coaching staff and the players certainly wish him nothing but the best," Stevens said. "I had a chance to talk with him briefly last night, certainly wish him well.

"It's the hardest part between being a pro coach and a college coach, where you kinda know the timeline when [players] are going to leave and you can mentally prepare yourself for that. Sometimes in the throes, with trades, you can't prepare as well. From our standpoint, we look at it more as, when someone is traded, as more of the person than the basketball player. That's an emotional time any time."

What did Stevens say to Rondo?

"It was just, 'Hey, Rajon, thanks for everything you've done. You've left a great legacy,'" Stevens said. "To be some place 8½ years, to have that kind of outpouring of emotion that you're going to have in leaving, it says what you did. I wish him nothing but the best. I think he's going into a great situation, a great coach, great players, and I'm sorry we have to play one more time -- because certainly I don't want to play against them. But it was more just that, and, 'Thanks.'"

The Mavs visit the Celtics on Jan. 2.

Stevens stressed that he never felt like Rondo disengaged from the team and praised the point guard's efforts leading a young squad despite Boston's struggles to consistently win games.

"Credit to him, he was always a part of the team and wanted to be part of the team and did his best," Stevens said. "It's part of the reason why we're so appreciative of what he meant to the whole group."

Rookie Marcus Smart said the trade caught the team by surprise, but that Boston's young core was eager to show what it can do.

Ainge said he was happy to deliver Rondo to a championship-caliber situation with Dallas.

"I shared with him how much I appreciated all he had done for us and how much I enjoyed our relationship. I'm rooting for him," Ainge said. "I think that, like Paul [Pierce] and [Kevin Garnett], when they were traded they were going to what everybody thought was a really special opportunity. I don't think, through any fault of their own, it didn't turn out like they hoped. But I think they were enthusiastic and excited.

"And I think Rajon hasn't gotten to that point yet, but I think he should be excited, I think he should be enthusiastic about the opportunity that he's going to. It makes me feel a little better -- we have to do what's best for the Celtics, but it is, at the same time, a great opportunity for him and I think he appreciates that he's getting a chance to go to a terrific opportunity."

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NOW THE GAME

Celtics 114, Wolves 98: No Rondo, no problem

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

BOSTON -- No Rajon Rondo, no problem for the Boston Celtics.

OK, it certainly helped that the first game in the post-Rondo era came against the basement-dwelling Minnesota Timberwolves. But Boston's young remaining core closed the fourth quarter with the sort of flair that was often missing with Rondo this season en route to a 114-98 triumph at TD Garden.

The Timberwolves clawed within a possession with under six minutes to play, but Boston scored the game's next eight points -- Smart and Green 3-sandwiching 3-pointers around a Green dunk -- and pushed its lead as high as 15 after another Smart triple capped a 15-3 run.

Kelly Olynyk scored a team-high 21 points off the bench, while Jared Sullinger posted a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) as Boston put six players in double figures for scoring. Avery Bradley had a season-high seven assists and Boston generated 29 total assists on 48 field goals.

• No new faces: The Celtics didn't have any of the three recent additions in Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, and Jameer Nelson. The trio was still talking their physicals and were inactive for Friday's game.

• Loose balls: Boston shot 56.5 percent overall (48 of 85). The Timberwolves shot 50 percent beyond the arc, but 45.2 percent overall. ... The Celtics were also without Marcus Thornton (calf strain) and James Young (shoulder subluxation).

• What it means: Boston has now won three in a row, matching a season high, while improving to 10-14 overall. The Timberwolves fall to 5-20. Boston departs on a two-game Floridian road trip that visits Miami and Orlando next week.
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Olynyk powers Celtics past Wolves, 114-98

CSNE

A. SHERROD BLAKLEY

BOSTON — The post-Rajon Rondo era began with a strong 114-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kelly Olynyk continues to move his way up the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year ladder with yet another strong game as he led the Celtics (10-14) with 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

All five starters for the Celtics reached double figures, led by Jeff Green's 18 points.

The Timberwolves, despite having lost nine of their previous 10 games coming into Friday's matchup, proved to be a pesky, resilient bunch most of the game.

But the game-changer proved to be a 3-pointer by Marcus Smart in the fourth quarter that just beat the shot clock.

It would serve as the jumping off point for the Celtics, as they closed out the game with a 19-6 run and extend their winning streak to three in a row.

Minnesota was making due without one of their key players, Corey Brewer, who was trade to Houston prior to tip-off.

His replacement in the starting lineup, Shabazz Muhammad, led all scorers with 26 points and Chase Budinger had 19 points off the bench.

WHAT WORKED

Balanced attack

There were several stretches of play in which a different Celtic stepped up on Friday, showcasing the versatility that exists with this roster. Boston played 10 different players with nine scoring at least six points.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK

Defense

Minnesota has been among the NBA's worst shooting teams most of this season. But you wouldn't have known that by the way they were knocking down shot after shot on Friday. For the game, the Timberwolves shot 45.2 percent from the field, which is a decent bump from their regular season average of 43.4 percent, which ranks 24th in the NBA.

KEY STRETCH/PLAY

With the ball and leading 95-92, Marcus Smart, with the assist from Jeff Green, drilled a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired. Smart's shot set into motion a 15-3 run that proved to be too much for the Timberwolves to handle.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Celtics hit the road this weekend with a Sunday evening matchup against the Miami Heat.

Well that was a nice welcome win in the middle of a couple of tough days.

Smart is the future and he will be an all star in a year or two.  

I think Danny should approach Green with an offer to restructure his contract now that he has some cap to work with and the ability to lock down a good seasoned vet.

KO...WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO HIM???????? WHAT EVER IT IS KEEP IT UP! AGRESSION..... AGRESSION......ATTACK THE BASKET!

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http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q61

61. Can existing contracts be renegotiated?

A contract for four or more seasons can be renegotiated after the third anniversary of its signing, extension, or previous renegotiation (if the previous negotiation increased any season's salary by more than 4.5%). Contracts for fewer than four seasons cannot be renegotiated. A contract cannot be renegotiated between March 1 and June 30 of any year.

Only teams under the cap can renegotiate a contract, and the salary in the then-current season can be increased only to the extent that the team has room under the cap (and cannot increase the player's salary beyond the maximum salary). A renegotiation can only be used to provide a salary increase -- players can't take a "pay cut" in order to create more cap room for the team.

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My note: we are not under the cap.

gyso

When I watch Jeff Green play these days, I find myself incredulous at the possibility that they might consider trading Jeff Green. As far as I'm concerned, at this stage of his career, he creates his own shots better than Paul Pierce did in his last three years with the Celtics. But he can also catch and shoot with the best of them.

He seems unruffled by anything, including taking clutch shots. He scores with an ease unmatched by many other players. He imposes his will on defenders in a variety of ways. He takes some shots that might seem a little outlandish for most players, but he can make them a significant proportion of the time. He's not a black hole on offense and looks for teammates out there. And most important—MOST IMPORTANT—he now has a seemingly unending, aggressive, attacking mentality. He is not an elite defender, but he does a good job on some pretty good opponents.

For quite a while, I've heard monotonous bromides claiming that scoring SFs are a dime a dozen. I beg to differ. They may score as much as Jeff, but they don't necessarily have as much true impact as Jeff.

If Jeff plays the rest of this season as he has played the first part; and, if they use tonight's game as a springboard for what can be accomplished, the claims about the Celtics' having no players free agents want to play with may turn out to become b.s.

Sam

It was a really fun game to watch (just getting home now from the Garden) and I was happy to see the fans getting behind the young guys.

I feel no need to defend (or praise) Jeff Green any longer out here. As one of his biggest fans, I am just happy to see him playing well and healthy and smiling on the court.

On Around the Horn today, Jackie Mac said Jeff Green is the next to go. I don't understand why Green can't be part of the rebuilt team, but she knows a lot more about what's going on with the Celtics than I do.

Boston's win combined with Brooklyn's loss means that the Celtics are now in 8th place.

Playoffs!

Outside,

I can't, for the life of me, find any reference to Jackie MacMullan's assertion about Green being the next Celtic traded. I'm not doubting it happened. It's just that I like to see how things are worded or whether there other clues going beyond such statements. If you could furnish the link, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Sam

Man, was it good to see Brad-ball or what?

Back in college Smart shut down Wiggins to almost nothing... believe it was a 1-10 evening for him that night, Smart has his number and before he's done he's gonna have a lot more of them.

beat

Trading Jeff Green would be an admission, at least in my opinion, that Ainge and the rest of the top brass doesn't believe this team will be a contender within the next 5 years or so. That's typically what teams do when they are shopping their best player.


KJ

Hi,
Last night, IMO, Celtics' defense was on par if not better than offense. Of course, it's against all-mighty Minny but you have to start somewhere.
It was nice to see KO 3rd game in the row marching in the land of aggression. At one point during the game, Tommy gave him 2 points for the same play. I don't think he can sustain it but it looks he's got a hang of it.
Now, I'm anxious to see the new players in action. Is it going to be tomorrow against Mia?
Who's going to be our starting PG - Smart or JN?

AK

Kj

You are right. I guess Ainge wants to have the team grow together as a young group of players.....and later sprinkle in some vets when they are ready to compete for a title.

With Green as like Rondo, they are 28ish and both want to compete for a title before getting old like Wallace at 32. So I think Green packs his bags in the summer, despite the fact he owes Danny for sticking with him through some life and death medical issues.

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Kelly is filling it up the last three games.  I hope he can keep that pace against some stronger competition, and with units and rotations about to change. Having him on the floor with Wright might be an interesting combo of bigs.

Defense looked good last night, but , as with my thoughts on Kelly, I'd like to see it keep up against stronger offenses.

As for the speculation on a Green trade, I can at least see where the thinking comes from and why it might make sense.  Part of the rationale floated out there on trading Rondo was that he was going to be "too old" by the time we can return to the playoffs, or, further down the road, make a real run at a title. Green will be a dinosaur this summer when he turns 29 (yes, that's a sarcastic comment, especially meant for those of us who haven't seen that number in a very long time). Currently at 28, he could very conceivably be 34 or more by the time we might be expected to be seen anywhere near a title game. He's looked good of late and his value might never be higher.  Of course, then you have to question who we trade him for.  Still more picks?  No one older than 21?

Edit: KJ, I was writing this when you posted your age related comments, so I could have saved the long-winded thought and just agreed.  Great minds thinking alike, and all that.  At least that's what we'll claim.

sam wrote:Outside,

I can't, for the life of me, find any reference to Jackie MacMullan's assertion about Green being the next Celtic traded.  I'm not doubting it happened.  It's just that I like to see how things are worded or whether there other clues going beyond such statements.  If you could furnish the link, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Sam

It was a throwaway line Jackie gave at the very end of Friday's episode of Around the Horn. If ATH is on this weekend (and you can stomach tuning in to ESPN), watch the very end of the show. I did a quick search and didn't see any reference to it in an article, but I've seen "Jeff Green is the next to go" comments in numerous articles, so I don't think someone saying it is news, although what's makes it news to me is that she said it.

This was a fun game to watch and it was definitely needed after the roster moves that have been made.

The Celtics played very well.  If they can perform like that against a good team I might really get excited.  The upcoming favorable schedule may mask how good they are but it will provide more games to perfect their craft.

Jeff Green is having a strong month of December but he is still miles away from being a great player at the SF spot.  I think that if he can improve on the glass and perhaps make a few more assists he could be a candidate for an allstar selection.  The reports that the Celtics are shopping Jeff may be related to his opt out option at the end of this year.  The better he plays the more money he can earn.  I see free agency on the horizon for him.  Ainge may consider this situation the same way he considered the pending Rondo free agency.  Trade him now or risk losing him to free agency.  The Celtics need to decide if they are willing to pay Jeff big bucks.  Jeff is now in his prime and I do not think he will be willing to suffer through a long drawn out rebuilding project.

Does he have that it factor to help recruit quality players to sign with the Celtics?  I do not think so but time will tell.

At some point Danny has to stop trading quality players in his obsession to pile up draft picks.  The best player that came from the Rondo trade is Brandon Wright and he is a free agent after this year.  

I think is  important for Boston to make the playoffs this year so that free agents can envision playing for a competitive team.

dboss

DBoss,

Jeff alone? No. But add another really good piece (most likely via trade) and perhaps a third major one can fit into the puzzle.

If the C's continue to use athleticism and improve play on the defensive side, a case can still be made for an 8th seed spot.



KJ

The Minny game comes with all sorts of caveats about the caliber of the Celtics' competition. But I wouldn't have minded at all seeing last night's Celtics playing against a better team—especially with the potential for a few more games like last night's under their belts. Last night's game was quite obviously filled with joy for our guys. Joy had been a hallmark of some pretty darned good Celtics teams in the past.

I don't believe it was inferior quality of the competition that induced the Celtics to perform with great energy while pushing the ball throughout (19 fast break points). I don't believe the Timberwolves forced the Celts to space the floor so beautifully or to execute an honest-to-goodness motion offense throughout the contest. Lack of a good defense by Minny could have resulted in some of the many cruises by Celtics bigs down the lane as the Green scored 68 points in the paint. But several of those plays necessitated very precise timing and/or pinpoint passes (often LONG passes), and I don't believe that execution was predicated on poor defense by the Wolves. I don't believe the performance of the Wolves had anything to do with the fact that the Celtics without Rondo had 29 assists, spread out among eight players, with the assist leader being (not a typo) Avery Bradley (7). I don't believe it was the Wolves who willed those clutch threes by Smart into the basket. And his dive and recovery of one 50/50 ball down the stretch was a thing of beauty that wasn't enabled by the Wolves.

So I'll stick my usual mantra, professing that a display of so many good things by this team means the team is capable of accomplishing many good things. Yes, there's plenty of need for a lot of repetitions, increased familiarity and refinement of chemistry, more honing of skills, and some inevitable backsliding. But, for a team on a rebuild, I like the potential they demonstrated last night.

Who knows how the new guys will blend in with the team? But I'm cautiously excited to note that Wright has some of the characteristics that have propelled Zeller into a pretty good low post scorer and fast break finisher (Wright hasn't exactly compiled a 74% field goal percentage by clanging threes). I'm interested to see how Wright really defends and whether his defensive presence at the center position will alter the defensive outputs of teammates like Sullinger and Olynyk.

I'll miss tomorrow's game completely, as I'll proudly be at the University Maryland, watching my Professor Emerita daughter hand two bachelor's degree diplomas to my grandson, who is graduating in 2 1/2 years (not including any summer classes). I just caution everyone to cut the new guys some slack as they begin the integration process.

And, as always, Go Celtics!

Sam