Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo is adamant about never playing for the Miami Heat. While the Celtics insist Rondo is an integral part of its rebuilding process, he may still be in Boston only because his bad attitude scares away potential suitors.
Joining the Heat is seemingly the "cool" thing to do. Shane Battier, Chris Anderson, Ray Allen, Mike Miller, even Juwan Howard — all of these veterans took pay cuts for the possibility of winning a championship behind LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Yet, there's at least one player who won't be seduced by the allure of South Beach.
Rondo spoke at his basketball camp in Kentucky, and he assured the campers he'd never sign with Miami, according to Celtics Life (via USA Today Sports):
Rondo remains the only piece from Boston's 2008 championship team, and Celtics president Danny Ainge insists his 27-year-old guard isn't up for grabs.
"I always listen to calls and listen to what ideas are, but we have no intentions of moving Rajon," Ainge told reporters on July 1.
How much of Ainge's unwillingness to move Rondo, however, comes from a lack of suitors? The guard is as much renowned for his mercurial attitude as he is for his playmaking ability on the court.
Some consider Rondo to be a "malcontent and a drain on team chemistry," according to NESN. His attitude problems might have even played a role in Doc Rivers and Ray Allen deciding to leave.
Rondo's clashes with his former coach aren't a secret. One report claimed an argument with Rivers in the locker room once almost escalated in to a fistfight. The report also said Rondo was the main reason Rivers wanted out of Boston.
The guard's feud with former teammate Ray Allen could have also been a factor in the latter's defection to Miami last year.
Rondo is one of the top point guards in the league, but his attitude problem apparently isn't a secret to NBA executives. Ainge truly could believe Rondo is central to rebuilding the Celtics, or Ainge simply might not have any other option but to keep Rondo.
With a new coach coming in, next season could decide how long Rondo remains a Celtic.
