<p align="center"></p><p align="left"> Entry #1: Rondo's World </p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> What a summer...workouts, camps, vacations, and TRADES have all made this one interesting summer. I'm back home in Louisville right now after being in Boston for the past few weeks working out. While in Boston I worked out with some of my new and old teammates...Gabriel Pruitt, Glenn Davis, Brandon Wallace, Jackie Manual, Kendrick Perkins, and Tony Allen. Tony (we call him TA) is recovering well...he actually played a few one on one games with us, so hopefully he will be 100% before the season starts. The workouts basically consisted of weight training, individuals, and team building. Off the court in Boston, I went to my first Red Sox game...that was fun..a Patriot's preseason game...the Scream Tour Concert...and of course, my favorite restaurant, Ruth's Chris. Over the summer I hosted three basketball camps for kids ages 6-16. They went better than I had expected for it to be my first year. Each camp was a week long. The first camp hosted 80 kids, and the other two hosted 300 kids. I had only planned to host 2 camps, but because the first two sold out, I added the third. I love kids, and it was really fun to interact with them everyday. I had some of my homies come to the camps and speak to the kids about their careers and experiences...some of the people that came were: Mike Bibby (Kings), Rudy Gay (Memphis), Josh Smith (Hawks), Patrick Sparks (UK), Larry O'Bannon (UofL), Edgar Sosa (UofL), etc. Next year, I plan to host more camps including some in Boston and Lexington, Ky. I got to take some nice vacations this summer...I went to Orlando, Miami, the Bahamas, and Jamaica. I got to do some good shopping in each place, so that was coo. TRADES...I lost a lot of my homies due to the trades this summer. Telfair (Bassy), Green (G$), Jefferson (AJ), Gomes (Gomez)...congrats man on the wedding, West (D West), and Ray (A Reezy) were some of my closest teammates. Last year, in every city we went to, we would always go to Ruth's Chris together...ima miss that tradition. Even though we're not on the same team any more, we all try to keep in contact and check up on each other. This year I look forward to playing with my new teammates...one goal we all share is: the Championship! I'm excited about the upcoming season and look forward to all the possibilities that it brings. This is my world...welcome to it...I'll holla!</p> </div></p> </p> Entry #2: ATL</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> Thanks for all the love on my first posting...I appreciate it! I'm in Atlanta now. I got here Friday, and I've just been hanging out. I needed a lil weekend trip to relax because I've been going soo hard in the gym. I'm just chillin down here with some friends. I went golfing for the first time...it was fun...I've got to work on my swing a little bit though. Other than that, I've just been playing cards and watching football. I love playing cards, and I take on all challengers...especially in spades! I'm going back to Louisville tomorrow morning to spend the holiday with my family. I will be going back to Boston soon, and I want to make sure that I get to spend as much time with my family and friends as I can because once I'm back in Boston, it's all business! I'll holla...</p> </div></p> </p>
You know, I never said anything bad about him not working on his shot, but right now I will.MaybeheshouldbeworkingonhisshotinsteadofbloggingaboutplayingGolfandeatingatRuthChris'.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'> You know, I never said anything bad about him not working on his shot, but right now I will. Maybe he should be working onhis shot instead of blogging about playing Golf and eating at Ruth Chris'. </p></div> Yeah, because Rajon isn't a regular person who likes to relex and enjoy himself in the off-season as well. Relax, I'm sure he's putting in work. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'> You know, I never said anything bad about him not working on his shot, but right now I will.Maybe he should be working onhis shot instead of blogging about playing Golf and eating at Ruth Chris'. </p></div> Yeah, because Rajon isn't a regular person who likes to relex and enjoy himself in the off-season as well. Relax, I'm sure he's putting in work. </p> </div> IfIsaid"I'msurehe'snotputtinginwork"wouldthatmakemystatementanymoretruethanyours?I'mrelaxed, but when I hear about Kevin freaking Garnett,amultipleall-star,atopplayingintheNBA, sweating his ass off,working out and doing two-a-days six days a week it's a littledisappointingto hear Rondo going to Sox and Pats games along with hosting events for little children (nice gesture, nonetheless).</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'> You know, I never said anything bad about him not working on his shot, but right now I will. Maybe he should be working onhis shot instead of blogging about playing Golf and eating at Ruth Chris'. </p></div> Yeah, because Rajon isn't a regular person who likes to relex and enjoy himself in the off-season as well. Relax, I'm sure he's putting in work. </p> </div> If I said "I'm sure he's not putting in work" would that make my statement any more true than yours? I'm relaxed, but when I hear about Kevin freaking Garnett, a multiple all-star, a top playing in the NBA, sweating his ass off, working out and doing two-a-days six days a week it's a little disappointing to hear Rondo going to Sox and Pats games along with hosting events for little children (nice gesture, nonetheless).</p> </div></p> But all I'm saying is that Rondo is working out too, and I'm sure KG is having his own share of fun, he just gets written about because he's a superstar. I just think your're looking a little too much into this. Pierce just had fun with EA Sports to check out NBA Live 08... that doesn't mean he's not working out and getting himself in shape. Same deal with Rondo, and every other player. </p>
[quote name='CelticBalla32'][quote name='employee #5'][quote name='CelticBalla32'][quote name='employee #5'] You know, I never said anything bad about him not working on his shot, but right now I will.Maybe he should be working onhis shot instead of blogging about playing Golf and eating at Ruth Chris'. </p>[/QUOTE] Yeah, because Rajon isn't a regular person who likes to relex and enjoy himself in the off-season as well. Relax, I'm sure he's putting in work. </p> [/QUOTE] If I said "I'm sure he's not putting in work" would that make my statement any more true than yours?I'm relaxed, but when I hear about Kevin freaking Garnett, a multiple all-star, a top playing in the NBA, sweating his ass off, working out and doing two-a-days six days a week it's a little disappointing to hear Rondo going to Sox and Pats games along with hosting events for little children (nice gesture, nonetheless).</p> [/QUOTE]</p> But all I'm saying is that Rondo is working out too, and I'm sure KG is having his own share of fun, he just gets written about because he's a superstar. I just think your're looking a little too much into this. Pierce just had fun with EA Sports to check out NBA Live 08... that doesn't mean he's not working out and getting himself in shape. Same deal with Rondo, and every other player. </p>[/QUOTE]Maybe I am looking into it too much, but Rondo will be a major part for this team. I'm less worried about Allen, Garnett and Pierce than I am about Rondo.
Is Rondo's jumpshot(or lack of)really going to make much of a difference in the upcoming year? Sure, the team probably has him working on it, and it was evident in summer league play that Doc and company want him to become a more confident shooter, but is that really a concern when most of his minutes will be logged in a lineup containing three of the most prolific scorers in the NBA? </p> </p> I'm having a hard time understanding all the hype out there concerning Rajon as our starting point guard. People seem to think that he's no fit for the role for whatever reason. Why? IF you really examine his skillset, it's almost like he's the perfect fit for the role. He's an above average defensive player, which is key considering he'll share the backcourt with Ray Allen. He's a good playmaker/passer that looks to create for others, which is another great thing considering the fact he's playing with three all-stars. And in my opinion, the weakest part of his game...his jumpshot (which will develop over time, guaranteed)...is sort of balanced out by the fact that every shot he takes this year will probably be taken without a defender on him. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (44Thrilla)</div><div class='quotemain'> Is Rondo's jumpshot (or lack of) really going to make much of a difference in the upcoming year? Sure, the team probably has him working on it, and it was evident in summer league play that Doc and company want him to become a more confident shooter, but is that really a concern when most of his minutes will be logged in a lineup containing three of the most prolific scorers in the NBA? </p> </p> I'm having a hard time understanding all the hype out there concerning Rajon as our starting point guard. People seem to think that he's no fit for the role for whatever reason. Why? IF you really examine his skillset, it's almost like he's the perfect fit for the role. He's an above average defensive player, which is key considering he'll share the backcourt with Ray Allen. He's a good playmaker/passer that looks to create for others, which is another great thing considering the fact he's playing with three all-stars. And in my opinion, the weakest part of his game...his jumpshot (which will develop over time, guaranteed)...is sort of balanced out by the fact that every shot he takes this year will probably be taken without a defender on him. </p> </div></p> Bingo, excellent points, although I do think that Rajon needs to develop some kind of respectable bread-and-butter shot. A pull-up? Catch-and-shoot 17 footer? Something... But I agree, I don't think it's as much of a necessity at this point as some people are making it out to be. He may not be able to shoot the ball, but he does absolutely everything else well. That's what you need with a trio like ours on the floor, an intangibles guy, a defensive guy, and a pass-first guy. Rondo will do just fine this year.</p> I am wondering how Rondo can handle himself deep in the playoffs, though. He's going to be an excellent player for a long time, but how would he handle Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, or Tony Parker in a 7-game series? It remains to be seen, some young guys excell in the playoffs, and some don't. I believe that Rondo is the type that rises to the occasion, but I hope I'm right.</p> </p>
[quote name='44Thrilla'] Is Rondo's jumpshot(or lack of)really going to make much of a difference in the upcoming year? Sure, the team probably has him working on it, and it was evident in summer league play that Doc and company want him to become a more confident shooter, but is that really a concern when most of his minutes will be logged in a lineup containing three of the most prolific scorers in the NBA?[/quote]Therearegoingtobetimeswhereitwon'talldependonPierce,AllenandGarnett.Somewillbeinfoultrouble,somewillhave their bad nights and some (hopefully not though) will be injured. We can't just depend on three players.So yes, I do believe Rondo will make much of a difference. What I'm really looking forward to is not only Ronod's shooting, but his decision making of when to shoot the ball and when the pass. During the summer league, I don't believe he's attempted more than 10 shots all together.</p> [quote name='44Thrilla']</p> I'm having a hard time understanding all the hype out there concerning Rajon as our starting point guard. People seem to think that he's no fit for the role for whatever reason. Why? IF you really examine his skillset, it's almost like he's the perfect fit for the role. He's an above average defensive player, which is key considering he'll share the backcourt with Ray Allen. He's a good playmaker/passer that looks to create for others, which is another great thing considering the fact he's playing with three all-stars. And in my opinion, the weakest part of his game...his jumpshot (which will develop over time, guaranteed)...is sort of balanced out by the fact that every shot he takes this year will probably be taken without a defender on him. </p>[/QUOTE] Ireallywouldn'tcallhim"almost[...]perfect"buthe'sgood.Itjustbothersmethattheonethingheshouldbeworkingonthemostisnotbeingaddressed.We'velearned he can pass, we've seen he can defend, so why would he not work on the thing that hinders his game the most? Why should we wait until the season starts to watchhimpracticeallthosewideopenshotshe'llget.[quote name='CelticBalla32']Bingo, excellent points, although I do think that Rajon needs to develop some kind of respectable bread-and-butter shot. A pull-up? Catch-and-shoot 17 footer? Something... But I agree, I don't think it's as much of a necessity at this point as some people are making it out to be. He may not be able to shoot the ball, but he does absolutely everything else well. That's what you need with a trio like ours on the floor, an intangibles guy, a defensive guy, and a pass-first guy. Rondo will do just fine this year.[/quote]I'm not worried about Rondo, he'll do fine this year, but he's one of the players that's needed to get the Celtics to where they're expected to be. We don't have three or four years to wait for his jump shot to develop, we have a two (to a three year max) window to do something. It's something that needs to happen soon.</p> [quote name='CelticBalla32']I am wondering how Rondo can handle himself deep in the playoffs, though. He's going to be an excellent player for a long time, but how would he handle Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, or Tony Parker in a 7-game series? It remains to be seen, some young guys excell in the playoffs, and some don't. I believe that Rondo is the type that rises to the occasion, but I hope I'm right.[/quote]Now this is not something I'm not worried about yet...;-)</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32)</div><div class='quotemain'> I love kids</p></div> I knew Rondo was a pedo.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'>Therearegoingtobetimeswhereitwon'talldependonPierce,AllenandGarnett.Somewillbeinfoultrouble,somewillhave their bad nights and some (hopefully not though) will be injured. We can't just depend on three players. So yes, I do believe Rondo will make much of a difference. What I'm really looking forward to is not only Ronod's shooting, but his decision making of when to shoot the ball and when the pass. During the summer league, I don't believe he's attempted more than 10 shots all together.</div>See, I think you have to take Rondo for what he is right now. We should never be looking for him to do the bulk of the scoring, no matter what the circumstances. It's easy to look at worst case scenarios and determine weaknesses of players based upon situations that most likely will not present themselves. Sure, even all star players will have off nights or get into some foul trouble, but that happens to every team at some point...so to me, if you can get yourself to worry about things like that, then you're really reaching for things to worry about. </p> With that said, he's still only a second year player, so of course there needs to be some development there. But I think his jumpshot will come in time, and I have plenty of faith in his decision making skills, despite what we saw in summer league play. I don't think you can depend on Rondo to take over games and will the team to victory, but I do think you can depend on Rondo to playthe role of point guard on the team as currently constructed.</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee#5)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Ireallywouldn'tcallhim"almost[...]perfect"buthe'sgood.Itjustbothersmethattheonethingheshouldbeworkingonthemostisnotbeingaddressed.We'velearned he can pass, we've seen he can defend, so why would he not work on the thing that hinders his game the most? Why should we wait until the season starts to watchhimpracticeallthosewideopenshotshe'llget.</p></div> I don't know if I missed it or what, but is there evidence of this? I don't remember reading anything like "Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he's very confident with Rondo's shooting ability, and has asked him not to focus on improving his shot." I think I even remember hearing just the opposite, actually. </p>
Rondo's [lack of a] jumpshot really hurts the Celtics' offense this season, as his defender can go put pressure on the ball and force unnecessary passes, which lead to turnovers and bad shots. Rondo's man can give him about two extra feet of distance, to prevent Rondo from using his dribble penetration ability to score, as nobody is afraid of his jump shot. I fear Rondo may hurt the Celtics' offense this year, as he dominates the ball and he cannot shoot, but his defensive ability is too attractive and the Celtics have no other options. Charlie Bell would have definitely started over him, though.
Rondo submitted a new post yesterday, I missed it:</p> Entry #3: The Ville</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> Today is my last day in Louisville. I got back on Monday, and I've just been chillin with my family and friends all week. I worked out in the mornings every day this week, but other than that, I didn't do much. I got to go to Lexington on Thursday to chill with some of my old teammates at Kentucky....I always like going back to hang with them because it reminds me of how much fun we all used to have when I was at UK. I played golf again this week...the swing has gotten a little better. Today, I went to church and had dinner with my family. My mom cooked some fish, and everyone came over to eat. This was my last time seeing most of my family until next summer because I won't be able to come back home during the season. Hopefully, they will be able to come up to Boston sometime during the year though. My time off has come to an end, and my year is about to start. I'm ready to get back to Boston and start practicing with the team...I'm looking forward to this year being a great year! I'll holla!</p> </div></p> Well, if Rajon has made one thing clear throughout his blogging experience, it is that he will holla. In all seriousness, I can't wait to read up on this team throughout practice/camp. Media day is just a couple weeks away, as well, by the way. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (44Thrilla)</div><div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee #5)</div><div class='quotemain'>Therearegoingtobetimeswhereitwon'talldependonPierce,AllenandGarnett.Somewillbeinfoultrouble,somewillhave their bad nights and some (hopefully not though) will be injured. We can't just depend on three players.So yes, I do believe Rondo will make much of a difference. What I'm really looking forward to is not only Ronod's shooting, but his decision making of when to shoot the ball and when the pass. During the summer league, I don't believe he's attempted more than 10 shots all together.</div>See, I think you have to take Rondo for what he is right now. We should never be looking for him to do the bulk of the scoring, no matter what the circumstances. It's easy to look at worst case scenarios and determine weaknesses of players based upon situations that most likely will not present themselves. Sure, even all star players will have off nights or get into some foul trouble, but that happens to every team at some point...so to me, if you can get yourself to worry about things like that, then you're really reaching for things to worry about. </p> With that said, he's still only a second year player, so of course there needs to be some development there. But I think his jumpshot will come in time, and I have plenty of faith in his decision making skills, despite what we saw in summer league play. I don't think you can depend on Rondo to take over games and will the team to victory, but I do think you can depend on Rondo to playthe role of point guard on the team as currently constructed.</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (employee#5)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Ireallywouldn'tcallhim"almost[...]perfect"buthe'sgood.Itjustbothersmethattheonethingheshouldbeworkingonthemostisnotbeingaddressed.We'velearned he can pass, we've seen he can defend, so why would he not work on the thing that hinders his game the most? Why should we wait until the season starts to watchhimpracticeallthosewideopenshotshe'llget.</p></div> I don't know if I missed it or what, but is there evidence of this? I don't remember reading anything like "Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he's very confident with Rondo's shooting ability, and has asked him not to focus on improving his shot." I think I even remember hearing just the opposite, actually. </p></div> Idon'tbelieveI'mreachingto find something wrong at all. Fact is we need help from Rondo. Rondo's not only a terrible shooter, but he's a pretty bad scorer. As Prem mentioned, if his penitration gets taken away what will be his back up?What really sucksforhimisthattheoffensewillnotgothroughhim, so he'll have to somehow make himself useful on offense. Maybe he will develop a shot, but I'd rather him already have developed one. And no, the only thing we've heard so far is that he's taking 250 shots a day and is playing pick up basketball.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (44Thrilla)</div><div class='quotemain'>See, I think you have to take Rondo for what he is right now. We should never be looking for him to do the bulk of the scoring, no matter what the circumstances. It's easy to look at worst case scenarios and determine weaknesses of players based upon situations that most likely will not present themselves. Sure, even all star players will have off nights or get into some foul trouble, but that happens to every team at some point...so to me, if you can get yourself to worry about things like that, then you're really reaching for things to worry about.</div>Rondo's inability to shoot is by far the most significant flaw in the Celtics' offense. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I don't know if I missed it or what, but is there evidence of this? I don't remember reading anything like "Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he's very confident with Rondo's shooting ability, and has asked him not to focus on improving his shot." I think I even remember hearing just the opposite, actually.</div>He has allegedly made 250-280 shots per day and has exclusively taken jump shots in pick-up games with some minor adjustments to his form, though he has yet to change his hand placement on the ball, which is the source of his troubles. He places his entire palm on the ball during his shot; not his fingers and the extra surface area creates more room for error. He has not fixed this issue and he should. </p> </p>
I am looking forward to the season to start to put this Rondo debate to rest. He will be fine. In fact he will be more than fine. I am looking forward to what Rondo can do with 3 allstars to work with. This is going to be fun.
Entry #4: The Team</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> I'm back in Boston now...and I've officially met everyone on the team. These guys are coo. I didn't know what to expect at first because these are All-Stars that I will be playing with, but everyone is really coo and down to earth. We all have been chillin with each other and our team chemistry seems to be great. We got together a few nights this week over Paul's house and played spades, and today we all went golfing. I've continued my work outs, and they have been going well! I'm really looking forward to the season now! The preseason starts in a few weeks...until then, I will just be working out everyday. I'll holla!</p> </div></p> Great to know that the team has been hanging out a lot off the court, I think the chemistry will be just fine.</p>
