Rajon Rondo doesn’t know how to fix the New York Knicks. Then again, who does?
Speaking with reporters, Rondo was asked about the recent rumor that Carmelo Anthony was recruiting him to join the Knicks in 2015, when he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Rondo’s former high school coach at Oak Hill Academy, Steve Smith, was talking with USA Today‘s Jason Jordan when he dropped this bomb:
No, I think he should be fine. He took a long time off and he’s rehabbed the right way. Whether he stays in Boston or not who knows. I know, talking to Melo (Carmelo Anthony), he’s recruiting Rajon to come to New York. Melo thinks he’ll come too. You never know about that stuff though. I think either way, Rajon will be fine.
Talk about your harmless conversations gone rogue. Unprovoked, Smith just offered up that information like it was everybody’s business. Weird to say the least.
Rondo denied the rumor. Kind of. Sort of. Well, not really.
Per RedsArmy.com’s Jay O, Rondo and ‘Melo spoke after the Boston Celtics’ 41-point drubbing of the Knicks on Sunday:
Rondo laughed at the Melo discussion rumors and said he talked to Melo after the game yesterday, never came up
— Jay O (@MrTrpleDouble10) December 9, 2013
So the conversation didn’t come up then, or ever? We need clarification. Trust me, we do. If we don’t get it, the imagination is free to run wild, just like mine is right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOeZRJ68VUw
Accusing NBA players of tampering isn’t my bag. Does it happen? You bet your ass it happens. Players start recruiting before they’re legally allowed to. That’s a well-known, relatively unspoken fact. But is ‘Melo among those players?
Part of me doesn’t doubt he is. He’s looking for a reason, any reason, to stay in New York this summer. To accept the five-year, $129-million contract they’ll offer him without a twinge of later regret. Rondo’s imminent arrival would certainly put him at ease.
But while the Knicks will have cap space in 2015, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Rondo-Anthony pairing, if only because Rondo is as confused about New York’s horrible start as we are.
Asked about the state of the Knicks and if he could fix them, Rondo indicated he had no idea:
Rondo on how to fix the Knicks: "I don't know how to fix them"
— Jay O (@MrTrpleDouble10) December 9, 2013
Realistically, that solves nothing and answers nothing, but it’s still funny. Opposing players are being asked about fixing other teams? Priceless. Shows you how ridiculous the Knicks situation is. That reporters are coming to potential targets and asking them if they can get the job done is outright insane. I’m only assuming that’s what happened here, of course. I’m not privy to the exact question that was asked.
Anyway, Rondo doesn’t know how to fix the Knicks. The 5-14, last-place-in-the-Atlantic-Division-dwelling Knicks. And can you blame him? Do you know how to fix the Knicks? Many of you will say yes. There have been times where I’ve even said yes. Logic dictates that a point guard able to sort through their wreck of talent and keep the ball moving—enter Rondo—would help fix the Knicks.
Really though, we’re just like Rondo. We don’t know.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
