Rajon Rondo was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks last season and some people thought that was a great trade for Dallas and would make them instant title contenders. Things couldn't have gone worse though as Rondo and head coach Rick Carlisle were never really on the same page and he was benched a few times. This offseason Rondo signed with the Sacramento Kings and George Karl was excited to have him on board but Rondo says their relationship has not gotten off to a great start, according to Cowbell Kingdom.
Back in July when Rondo was just getting started with the Kings and Karl, Rondo said things were going well although he did caution that it was early and they hadn't played any games yet. "I think it's a great fit. So far. We haven't played any games, coach Karl hasn't kicked me out of any practices yet, so we will see how it goes," said Rondo.
Now after just a few preseason games Rondo says things are not going great and that there have been arguments between him and the head coach. Despite the statement that things weren't going well Rondo didn't seem too peeved in the interview and he also sounded hopeful that things would work themselves out.
This could just be part of the process as Karl and Rondo try to work out their relationship but it also has a chance to derail Sacramento's season before it even starts. The Kings knew the risks when they signed Rondo, especially after the Mavericks resorted to playing Raymond Felton over him last season, but they still took him on in hopes that he would return to All-Star form.
Rondo isn't the only player that Karl has to work on his relationship with though as the Kings star player DeMarcus Cousins has also been at odds with the head coach. Karl tried to trade Cousins earlier this offseason and that didn't make him very happy. The two of them have been trying to work it out ever since but who knows if that can be resolved.
The Kings have a lot of talent on their roster but as Karl said earlier this offseason they have a "combustible mix of players." If they can somehow figure it all out and mesh together this could be a fun team to watch but as of right now things don't seem to be going in the right direction.
Watch the interview below:
