Rajon Rondo Has Dirty Play in His Arsenal

By: Umberto Diona

Rajon Rondo is probably among the best point guards currently in the NBA today, yet the way that he is able to separate himself for the others is his immaturity through his use of dirty play against his opponents. Currently this season Rondo is averaging 11.0 PPG, and 9.2 APG. With these states and the coveted championship ring under his belt, why does he still feel the need to obstruct the good sportsmanship aspect of the game? It is because he is an immature punk who still has some growing up to do, and is unappreciative of the championship ring that he has on his finger, something that veterans in the league would kill for, and truly understand its importance.

Rondo’s dirty play became more prevalent during the 2009 season, which highlighted and proved his immaturity and lack of sportsmanship in the NBA. February 5, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared in Boston to take on the Celtics for the second time that season. After a loose ball, Lamar Odom and Kevin Garnett battle on the floor for the ball, as Kobe Bryant tries to help his teammate fight for the ball, Rondo unnecessarily pushes Bryant. Kobe acted as any other veteran would, by simply pointing his finger, and verbally teaching the pest (Rondo) a lesson. Another incident happened during the first round of the 2009 playoffs when the Celtics matched-up with the Chicago Bulls. After a missed shot by the Celtics and a Bulls rebound, Rondo grabs Kirk Hinrich by the arm and launches him into the scorers table. After that rookie act of frustration, Celtics coach Doc Rivers pulled his player aside and once again Rondo was being taught a lesson by a veteran of the game.

Rondo's dirty play is what is holding him back from being placed in the same category of the elite point guards in the league. We can only wait and watch to see if Rondo will mature during the 2009-2010 season and separate himself from his foolish antics to be placed in that company, because he has the right numbers, but lacks the right attitude.

(image courtesy of www.bayareasportsguy.com)