“All those trade rumors are just a bunch of bull. I’m not trading Rondo.’’
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Ainge would never trade his flossy point guard. Danny can always go Rick Pitino on us and say, “That’s how I felt at the time.’’ But logic says the window is closing on the Celtics’ opportunity for banner No. 18. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen are not getting younger. Boston’s best shot for a championship is next year. That means this is no time to be trading your 23-year-old point guard who almost averaged a triple-double throughout the playoffs.
Oh, and did I mention that team in Cleveland? The Cavaliers just got a lot better. LA folk are already drooling over the prospect of a Shaq-Kobe Finals. It will be a big theme from now until next June.
That is one more reason this is no time for the Celtics to trade Rajon Rondo - not even if he’s studying for his Diva Degree at the International School of Pedro Martínez.
So, why would Danny put out the negative vibe?
“I didn’t know that I was ripping him,’’ said Ainge. “Like being late is acceptable? And that Orlando was allowed to double team our shooters? Stan Van Gundy said that a hundred times. People had already read that. I didn’t say anything people didn’t already know.
“He needs improvement. I don’t think it’s a big deal. He’s a point guard who needs to work on his leadership skills and be more consistent.’’
Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, fought back in an interview with the Globe’s Marc J. Spears, saying, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to say that about one of your top players.’’
Wouldn’t this be a great world if Red Auerbach was around to comment on Rondo or his agent?
Ainge knows a little bit about criticism. Bill Fitch regularly ripped into Ainge when Danny was a fresh-faced shooting guard out of Brigham Young. Meanwhile, Larry Bird took on the role of big brother and constantly teased Ainge.
“I don’t think [Ainge] would like it if [Celtics managing partner] Wyc [Grousbeck] was talking about him in public,’’ said Duffy.
