Rajon Rondo On Making The Playoffs: ‘The East Isn’t That Strong’
Celtics star Rajon Rondo doesn’t think the competition in the East is very good … for the second year in a row
To the public, the Boston Celtics are tanking. That’s been the plan since Danny Ainge traded Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers and stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets. But to star point guard Rajon Rondo, it’s the opposite, as he thinks his team could possibly make the playoffs due to a ‘lacking’ Eastern Conference.
Rondo:“People still say it’s a rebuilding year for us but we really don’t look at it as that. The East isn’t as strong -- again." #celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) November 21, 2014
Rondo’s claim on the East not being too good is a bit false.
More from Boston Celtics
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Jaylen Brown signs richest contract in NBA history without a left hand
- Boston Celtics projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- David Griffin thanks rival Celtics for leverage in Anthony Davis trade talks
- NBA rumors: Damian Lillard trade becoming more trouble than it’s worth for Celtics
No, they aren’t the Western Conference and comparing the two would be a waste of time due to the huge discrepancy in talent. But this discrepancy doesn’t stop the East from being own it their own right — the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls are the conferences biggest hope in regards to winning a NBA championship come 2015 while the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat (if Dwyane Wade doesn’t fall apart during the season) are all creeping on the outside of “contender” status, growing closer to Chicago and Cleveland.
Toward the bottom, things have opened up a bit. Without Paul George (and Lance Stephenson who is in Charlotte), the Pacers may fall out of the playoff race. The same may occur to a Brooklyn Nets team who found themselves in the playoff race.
Does this mean room will open up for the Boston Celtics? It seems unlikely as this group lacks an even balance on offense while employing a below-average front court.
Right now Boston is 4-6 in the East, one spot below the 8th-seeded Pacers. As the season grows on, it’s likely this group grows further away from the playoff race and closer to the lottery.
More from FanSided
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return