Rondo's behavior as described in this article doesn't sound like examples of a quirky personality. Sounds like normal everyday behavior to me. I mean players pull out pieces of gum and chew during games, wear visible jewelry and what have you. I wouldn't see a reason to draw attention to what Rondo does if I were one of his teammates. I'll feel like: That's cool or that's fine. It's his own prerogative.
The more I read about it being brought up... The more I believe Rondo's making a serious case to the head coaches in the east that he's a legitimate choice as a reserve All-Star this season.
I agree with the game broadcasters on WEEI, it's as if he has to be reminded (or he comes to a realization on his own) during half time that he can "take over" at any time. And so he does. He makes plays. I remember Rivers said something about he'll remind Rondo that he can use his speed and quickness.
Those who haven't been keeping a close watch on Rondo might be wondering this: Just who exactly is the crafty right-handed point guard with the knack for getting into the paint to score or rebound, knocking down open midrange jumpers and breaking down opposing defenses that 99 percent of the time are directing the bulk of their attention toward his big three teammates?
For starters, Rondo began the night ranked 19th in the league in field goal percentage (.519), the only nonforward or noncenter among the NBA's top 20. He is second in the NBA in steals and eighth in assists, and he posted his first career triple-double earlier this month. At that point, Boston was in the early stages of what has become the longest winning streak in franchise history, tying the mark set by the '81-82 team.
"He's like a combo of J-Will [Jason Williams], the way he goes behind his back, Tony Parker, the way he hits his floater and Gary Payton, with the way he plays defense," Celtics forward Paul Pierce said. "He's a rare combo of speed, long arms, toughness, and he rebounds like Jason Kidd at that position."
Rondo is quirky, too, and we're not just talking about that, ahem, form he shows at the free-throw line (64 percent) and the 3-point line (4-for-14 for the season).
For one thing, he wears his headband upside down.
"The first year I was in the league, I wore it upside down and had a pretty good game, and I didn't know it was upside down until I looked in the mirror after the game."
For another, he keeps a tube of Carmex lip balm tucked into his sock every time he plays.
"You know, my lips get dried during the game," he said.
You serious?
"Yeah, serious," Rondo said. "Ever since I started doing that, I've been playing well. A few guys know it. A few opponents will joke about it, say, 'Lemme get some Carmex.' So, a few people know. I guess everybody is going to know now."
Like Pierce, Rondo has been through two of the biggest highs and lows in NBA history. The Celtics lost 18 straight games his rookie season (2005-06).
Rondo is being mentioned as a serious All-Star contender, and it's tough to see that the coaches would leave him off the roster when they vote for the reserves. (Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson have commanding leads in fan balloting.) Aside from Joe Johnson and Devin Harris (and perhaps Ray Allen), is any Eastern Conference guard more equally deserving?
"I try not to think much about it," Rondo said. "There's a lot of talk about it, but the more we get wins, then the more I probably push myself to become an All-Star."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime ... ime-081222
