Shaquille O’ Neal reveals how US President Barack Obama wrecked Rajon Rondo’s game – NBA Update
Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo did not have a great end to the regular season last year. The point guard’s form slumped visibly and he struggled with his shooting in particular.
Most people blamed the downgrade in Rondo’s game due to the Kendrick Perkins trade. Perkins was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder by Boston Celtics management in exchange for Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green. The move was not very popular
within the Celtics locker room and Rajon Rondo in particular was not impressed as he was a close friend of the centre.
Shaquille O’Neal, who was also the part of the Celts last season, in is in the process of writing a new book and in it he has given an interesting take on the subject.
Shaq didn’t blame the Kendrick trade for Rondo’ slump, but rather blamed the President of United Sates of America. Yes, ‘The Diesel’ has pointed the finger squarely on Mr. Barack Obama. Here are some excerpts from his book “Shaq
Uncut”.
“The President turns to Ray, points at Rondo, and says, “Hey, Ray, why don’t you teach this kid how to shoot?” Everyone starts laughing.
KG (Kevin Garnett) told me he saw the look on Rondo’s face and the kid was devastated, embarrassed. Dissed by the President, even though I’m sure Obama didn’t mean any harm. Rondo smiled and went along with all of it, but KG told
me he could see it in his eyes. It bothered Rondo. It killed him. The next day Rondo shot the ball horribly. He stopped taking shots after that. He’s so sensitive. I think it was a real jolt to hear the outside perception of a basketball fan who happens to
be the President of the United States. It messed with his mind. I’m sure of it.”
The President did have a point. Rajon Rondo has great athleticism and in the last few years the youngster has developed into one of the elite point guards in the NBA. His playmaking ability as well as tearing drives to the rim
makes him a formidable opponent for any player.
However, the fact remains that Rajon has never really been a good shooter of the ball. In a league where point guards are increasingly being used as shooters who help to spread the floor, Rondo doesn’t even seem comfortable with
his mid range jumper.
Ray Allen meanwhile, is one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen. Allen has such a smooth struck and with his great worth ethic he has become the all time leader in 3-point shots made ever. It seems reasonable that if
Rondo needed some pointers, there wouldn’t be any one better than Ray Allen to give them.
However coming from the President, the advice does carry a lot of extra pressure. Rondo would be hoping to put the embarrassment behind him next season and concentrate on the advice from Mr. Obama.
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