The Celtics have had an up and down season all year, but this week the arrow was pointing up. In three games, the Celtics finished 3-0, playing the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Minnesota Timberwolves which is not the greatest competition. Each game was won by an average of 17 points. In 12 quarters of basketball, the Celtics scored more points then the opposition in eleven of them. The Boston Celtics highlighted sporting news Thursday evening as they finally decided to trade star point guard Rajon Rondo and F Dwight Powell to the Dallas Mavericks for C Brandan Wright, F Jae Crawford, G Jameer Nelson, and a future first and second round pick. Wright was the centerpiece of this deal as he leads the NBA in field goal percentage shooting 74.8%. Rajon Rondo leads the NBA with 10.8 assists per game, going to a team that is first in the NBA in points per game and seventh in the league in assists per game. The West continues to get better while the East continues to get worse.
After Rondo was traded, he went to Twitter to thank Celtics fans and the city of Boston:
My time in Boston has meant so much. I’ve grown up with this city both as a basketball player and person. The love I have for the most loyal
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 19, 2014
And supportive fans in the league is unmatched. My teammates have shown nothing but heart the last couple of seasons.
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 19, 2014
They are some of the hardest working guys I have played with and I wish them the best. I’ve experienced my most successful and challenging
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 19, 2014
Years w/ the Celtics, fans and city. The opportunity to play with guys like Dirk, Monta, Tyson and the young talent of Chandler is exciting
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 19, 2014
I look forward to building something special in Dallas.
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 19, 2014
In Rondo’s last game in Boston, he recorded a double-double with 13 points and 15 assists, his sixth double-double of the season. Five other Celtics scored in double figures. One of those players was forward Jared Sullinger who after the game said “I think we just turned up the heat” when asked what led to the team extending their lead. Rondo led the charge as the Celtics beat the Magic 109-92.
Now without Rondo, they will rely on Marcus Smart and Evan Turner to man the point guard responsibilities. In their first game after the trade, the Celtics beat the Timberwolves 114-98. Marcus Smart and Evan Turner combined for 18 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. None of the newly acquired Mavericks made an appearance in the game.
As a loyal Celtics fan, I will have respect for Rajon Rondo no matter what team he is on. Even though the Celtics have not been their best over the years, Rondo came to work every day and continued to work hard. He accepted Brad Stevens and bought into his system while helping with the development of the young players. Rondo loved the city of Boston, and the city of Boston loved Rondo. The Dallas Mavericks will be in Boston on January 2nd, 2015. I am sure it will be an emotional day for Rondo, and I expect a loud standing obviation from the crowd when his name is called.
Coming up this week, the Celtics will play at Miami, at Orlando, and home against the Nets. Expect trades at any moment.
