The professionalism filter in Rajon Rondo’s brain finally broke.
Meeting with Chicago media for the first time in a while, the veteran point guard gave some blatantly honest answers regarding his diminished role on the Bulls. Fred Hoiberg, whose roster is seriously shorthanded tonight, did say that Rondo will be the first man off the bench against the Washington Wizards. Apparently that news wasn’t enough for Rondo to maintain the professionalism that Hoiberg and his teammates have praised during his benching.
The Q&A with the media started with some friendly banter. Rondo offered up a joke about playing pickup games to pass the time and stay in shape. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:
Rondo remains bemused by his benching, said he's been playing pickup outside the practice facility to try to stay in shape.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
Rondo went on to reiterate a point he made in his most recent interview, saying this benching is the most confused he’s ever been in his career.
Rondo calls his situation the most confusing of his career.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
When asked about his meeting with front office bosses Gar Forman and John Paxson, Rondo said, “It really wasn’t a clear-cut message.” So I guess that hasn’t changed since last week.
Perhaps fearing that Rondo was about to go off at the mouth, a Bulls PR representative tried to cut the interview short. But Rondo said no.
PR person tries to cut off interview, Rondo said to keep going. "I haven't had this much attention in awhile."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
Sounds like Rondo really wanted to speak his mind about all this. To that end, he let the media know exactly what he thought about the explanation he was given for the benching:
Rondo said he was told team is trying to "save him from himself." Rondo's thought on that? "I thought it was bullsh*t."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
Who exactly made those comments to Rondo? He wouldn’t name names.
Rondo on benching: "I got a slight explanation from another guy on the staff. A guy told me that he was saving me from myself."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
That kind of phrasing came as quite a surprise to Rondo.
Rondo: "Save me from myself. I never heard that before in my life. But I guess he was trying to do the best thing for me."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
What exactly did this mystery staff member mean by “save him from himself”? It’s a fair question on Rondo’s part. He may not have communicated his opinion of their reasoning with the utmost professionalism, but it’s understandable that the guy is frustrated. He’s making $14 million this season, he’s a former champion with several All Star appearances, and he’s not playing.
As for his relationship with Hoiberg? Well, I guess the honeymoon after their shared film session last summer was short lived.
Rondo on if he and Hoiberg have talked much about his circumstance: "Um. How can I say this? No."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 10, 2017
Rajon managed to side-step the potential for more vulgarity in that answer, but it’s still very clear that he isn’t happy with the lack of communication with the coach who benched him.
January 10th, Bulls fans. Mark it on your calendar as the day the Rajon Rondo Experiment finally blew up in Chicago. It should be very interesting to see what he does coming off the bench against the Wizards tonight, and what more he has to say in the locker room after the game.
