The Future Of Rajon Rondo

Celtics star point guard Rajon Rondo has had an interesting career to say the least. 

The young guard already has an NBA championship ring and is an offensive sparkplug for the entire Boston Celtics team.  The only problem is that his ego can sometimes get the best of him.

Coming into this offseason, almost all fans would agree Rondo is the rock in this lineup for years to come.  His ability to pass, score, and rebound has turned him into a triple-double threat.  He makes players around him that much better.

When Kevin Garnett went down with a knee injury after the All-Star break, Rondo filled in for him and made the most of the opportunity.  He was looked at as the floor general and was making critical decisions down the stretch. 

There was hardly any hype for the game and skill of Rondo coming out of Kentucky.  He was considered by many as having raw ability and the potential to be a good player in the NBA.  This year was his coming out party, and as much as the fans in Boston love him, Danny Ainge is famously known for making moves to improve the team.

After disagreeing with his coach Doc Rivers after the Game Seven loss to the Magic in a post game interview, it seems Rondo took his own direction.  He didn't talk about the mistakes or missed jump shots he had, but rather decided to question the coaching decisions.

Events like this, questions about his shooting ability and encounters with teammates, make the future of Rondo being put on hold with the NBA draft approaching next week.

There have been all sorts of Internet trade rumors over the last few weeks.  Whether or not these offers have any validity they have to have started somewhere.  When questioned about the possibility of trading one of the young stars, Ainge mentioned it as possible, but unlikely.

Some of the hottest rumors have Rondo and Allen going to the Suns for Stoudemire, Barbosa, and the 14th pick.  Now from one standpoint this trade makes sense because they are giving up two solid guards one overall, and the other primarily on the perimeter.

In return they get a defensive beast who can score at will.  That will give K.G. protection and leaves the Celtics with options as far as the 14th pick is concerned.  Barbosa is a quick young guard who can't also play either guard position.

There are also rumors that have the Celtics working a deal to be able to select guard Tyreke Evans out of Memphis.  Whether he's anywhere near the level or potential of Derrick Rose, that's yet to be seen.  It's probably also why the Celtics are looking into any and every potential deal.

Rondo's alter ego is something that causes major concern for his coaches, teammates, and fans.  He needs to be committed to the Celtics organization and at the same time improve his game to the next level.

The attitude of Rondo needs to change.  He's gotten too comfortable with his role without Garnett out on the court.  After Rondo's contract is up he's going to demand to get a paid a lot of money from an organization.  That exact number depends certainly on how he progresses whether it's with the celtics or any other team for that matter.

The numbers don't lie—he's statistically one of the most proven young guards to step on a NBA floor in a long time.  Regardless of his talent, anything can happen if he's not in the right frame of mind.  Therefore nothing would surprise me with what Ainge might do regarding Rondo.

He's looking out in the best interest for the Boston Celtics.  Whether that's a roster that includes Rajon Rondo or not is yet to be determined. With that being said it's clear that anything could happen. 

It would be difficult to trade away someone with so much upside as Rondo at this time in his career.  Then again this is the NBA and anything can happen.  The future of Rondo could be a big draft day shocker that will be entertaining to see if anything plays out.