Purch
08-23-2010, 06:57 PM
Not only was Rajon Rondo not in Team USA's starting lineup for Sunday's 86-85 exhibition win over Spain, but the Boston Celtics' playmaker didn't even play (coaches decision).
Not to worry, Celtic Nation.
The Green and White's lone Team USA participant is still on solid footing.
In addition to Rondo, Team USA also held out Indiana's Danny Granger and Minnesota's Kevin Love.
Team USA and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski explained the lineup changes following the win.
"[Stephen] Curry has been out, so we wanted to give him a chance and we already know what Rondo and Granger can do, and Love was out," Krzyzewski told reporters afterward. "That was our plan tonight, just to take a better look at our team."
Team USA currently has 13 players, with one player needing to be cut by Thursday.
The small pool of players most likely on the cutting block include Curry, Love, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon.
Love will likely stick due to Team USA's lack of frontcourt depth. And Westbrook may have played his way into a spot on the 12-man roster with his performance in Team USA's 77-61 win over Lithuania on Saturday. Westbrook had 12 points, two assists and was named Player of the Game.
As for Rondo, it appears he has done more than enough to earn the trust of Krzyzewski who spoke glowingly about the Celtic all-star last week when Team USA was training in New York City.
"We're going to be in some very difficult environments," Krzyzewski said at the time. "And Rondo . . . Rondo is as tough as anybody. He's trying to just lead our team, get everybody involved, play great defense and win. That's who he is. "http://www.necn.com/08/22/10/Rondo-sits-out-for-USA-but-hes-OK/landing_sports.html?blockID=295526&feedID=3352
Not to worry, Celtic Nation.
The Green and White's lone Team USA participant is still on solid footing.
In addition to Rondo, Team USA also held out Indiana's Danny Granger and Minnesota's Kevin Love.
Team USA and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski explained the lineup changes following the win.
"[Stephen] Curry has been out, so we wanted to give him a chance and we already know what Rondo and Granger can do, and Love was out," Krzyzewski told reporters afterward. "That was our plan tonight, just to take a better look at our team."
Team USA currently has 13 players, with one player needing to be cut by Thursday.
The small pool of players most likely on the cutting block include Curry, Love, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon.
Love will likely stick due to Team USA's lack of frontcourt depth. And Westbrook may have played his way into a spot on the 12-man roster with his performance in Team USA's 77-61 win over Lithuania on Saturday. Westbrook had 12 points, two assists and was named Player of the Game.
As for Rondo, it appears he has done more than enough to earn the trust of Krzyzewski who spoke glowingly about the Celtic all-star last week when Team USA was training in New York City.
"We're going to be in some very difficult environments," Krzyzewski said at the time. "And Rondo . . . Rondo is as tough as anybody. He's trying to just lead our team, get everybody involved, play great defense and win. That's who he is. "http://www.necn.com/08/22/10/Rondo-sits-out-for-USA-but-hes-OK/landing_sports.html?blockID=295526&feedID=3352