The loss of Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo for the remainder of the season has drastically changed the trade deadline discussions of the Eastern Conference team. As of Jan. 27, 2013, it is official according to ESPN that Rondo is set for surgery to repair his torn ACL and there is little that the club can look at as positive at the moment.
Discussions over the addition of J.J. Redick may have to change as he was thought to be the next potential Ray Allen type distance shooter that the team could add, however, now they need a new point guard rather than three point ace off the bench.
Without Rondo it will be a difficult task for the team to make the playoffs in many instances, but as long as both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce can maintain solid performances most nights then the team has a chance.
It is not likely to see a deal that sends Pierce away from the team, after he had been a potential trade departure in the rumors from a week ago, unless it is a blockbuster that sees major improvement with age and ability.
Leandro Barbosa's potential exit could actually increase in its chances as he could be a potential kicker to anything put together the bring in a new assist minded guard to take the primary roll in Doc Rivers' offense at least until Rondo returns next season.
Celtics GM Danny Ainge has some big decisions to make at this point. Does he ride out the season with the team he has, or does he call time on an era of the Celtics history and use his biggest names, most likely Garnett and Pierce, as trade bait to bring in a new regime?
Enjoy this article? Receive e-mail alerts when new articles are available. Just click on the “Subscribe” button above.
Please follow me @thedailyatz, Facebook and Pinterest.
Comments