Team USA has cut Celtics guard Rajon Rondo

[abc2007]

http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA
Team USA has cut Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.

[JuanValdez]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ian_ruotsala/4813678142/" title="Schadenfreude by Ian Ruotsala, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4813678142_58430860c6.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="Schadenfreude" /></a>

[magnomonkey]

Wow, I did not see that coming. Over Westbrook and Gordon???

[Shaud]

“Rajon came to us and said he was going to withdraw from the team, that he had some family matters to attend to and some things to take care of before the NBA season. He did an outstanding job during our training, we appreciate the effort and commitment he made to our program and he completely has our support,” said Colangelo.
http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6449

[cheke64]

Duh, he didnt play a second vs spain. I saw that coming and tyreke evans wouldnt take those damn earrings off, javale mcgee is just pure sadness.

[Shaud]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=5492343

Judging from this article it sounds like he was going to be cut anyway.

[DaDakota]

Team game versus a dominate the ball type of game.

Rondo can't shoot outside very well, and in the Worlds, with the zones, you need everyone to be able to knock down that shot.

Different game, different skillset.

DD

[tested911]

Hurry Quickly and sign him with the TE!!!!! :eek: :eek:



Oh wait :(

[crocktees]

Guess Westbrook made him expendable. Maybe they only need
one player that can get to the rim anytime they want?

[yaonow]

Maybe they only need
one player that can get to the rim anytime they want?

but they have derrick rose too

[3rdRingsAComin]

Guess Westbrook made him expendable. Maybe they only need
one player that can get to the rim anytime they want?

Rose and Gordon? Coach K said he didn't want 2 people on the floor that couldn't shoot, which limits who you can play with rondo. The reason we under-performed in 2004 is because we relied on athleticism which can be limited in a zone and had no shooting on the outside (this is why Rondo was cut, Gordon and Curry can do both)

[T-Slack]

Can't believe he pulled a Arenas. If you know you are going to get cut, then get cut. Don't be Bi@@

[Asian Sensation]

I don't like the decision but what do I know. I still think Rondo is the best distributor/defender that was available. He also brings fiestyness (I think this squad sorely lacks this) and Championship experience.

Rondo would also be the one most capable of breaking down a zone. Not to say Westbrook/Rose aren't but he's more effective at this stage IMO. I would have picked Rondo for sure and gotten rid of either Westbrook, Gordon or Curry. If it were my choice I would've cut Westrbrook.

[crocktees]

Maybe they are clearing space for Jeremy Lin?

[bongo33]

He didn't get cut, well yeah he did but not cause of skill. On NBA.com it said that he left for family reasons and to get ready for the upcoming NBA season

[Asian Sensation]

He didn't get cut, well yeah he did but not cause of skill. On NBA.com it said that he left for family reasons and to get ready for the upcoming NBA season

You believe your mum when she tells you you're cute huh?

[Shaud]

I think his uncle died.

[bongo33]

You believe your mum when she tells you you're cute huh?

Wow thanks, your funny :grin: , just reporting from what I heard no need to get mad. What if he actually does have some family matters, after all his uncle did die a couple weeks ago

[Z-Ro&Trae]

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6449

Thanks for posting the real reason why rondo was "cut" from the team! :grin:

[Jontro]

Personal matters aside, I would have picked Rondo over Rose. It's a toughy, but Rondo has had more experience playing under more pressure (3 super teammates aside) during crunch times.

But maybe DD's right, different rules, different game, different needs. they need to get some grade-A European level floppers in the team.

[dharocks]

Eh. One the one hand, it's a mistake to go into international play with a PG who will consistently brick open 3s. On the other hand, they still have a bunch of guards on the roster who are probably going to brick a bunch of open 3s.

[pmac]

I'm actually pretty happy he got cut.

I think Rondo is a very talented player and I like his game more than most of the guys on that team but USA basketball really needs outside shooting. With Westbrook and Rose, you don't really need a guy like Rondo who is mostly effective on penetrations. It's not like they'll need to defend any freak athletes like in the NBA, those guys will be good enough.

Rondo's playmaking ability would have been great if the team was loaded with shooters but I just don't think they can afford to have him, Chandler and Iggy out there at the same time, at any point.

[sbyang]

Maybe Rondo just wanted to get off the Titanic before it sailed.

[Merla08]

In other news... USA is going to add Aaron Brooks to their roster to replace Rondo :grin:

[rockbox]

Maybe Rondo just wanted to get off the Titanic before it sailed.


Yep. The only player worth anything is Durant and coach K is way overrated.

[dragonz]

Rondo plays beautiful basketball, too sad to see him leave the team.