Rajon Rondo’s stint with the Dallas Mavericks didn’t quite go as planned. Fortunately for George Karl, DeMarcus Cousins, and company, though, the notoriously mercurial point guard is already optimistic about the latest stop on his suddenly wayward career.
Asked if he’s enjoyed his brief time spent as a member of the Sacramento Kings, Rondo answered affirmatively by alluding to his contentious relationship with Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.
Rondo: "It’s a great fit so far. We haven’t played any games, George hasn’t thrown me out of any practices yet so we’ll see how that goes."
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) July 14, 2015
Progress!
Rondo and Carlisle clashed immediately upon Dallas acquiring the three-time All-Star last December. Not only was the former Boston Celtics franchise player an infrequent member of crunch-time lineups for the Mavericks, but he and Carlisle engaged in a much-publicized on-court argument in late February. When Rondo supposedly suffered an injury and was subsequently sidelined for the remainder of his team’s first round playoff series, the writing was on the wall regarding his time in Dallas, and Carlisle even confirmed as much.
Unsurprisingly, the market for Rondo never materialized in free agency. The Kings targeted the genius, flawed floor general from the period’s inception, ultimately affording him a one-year deal worth $10 million.
Rondo’s basketball fit in Sacramento is a troubling one. Like Cousins and Rudy Gay, he needs the ball in his hands to be most effective, and isn’t above complaining if unhappy about his role. Rondo has said all the right things about rehabilitating his career since the Mavericks banished him, though, and certainly has the raw talent to make the best of an awkward marriage.
And an improved attitude, albeit a sarcastic one, is a good first step toward doing just that.
