National Basketball Association

Rajon Rondo has some choice words for Rick Carlisle

Published Feb. 25, 2015 9:46 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Rajon Rondo has had some reported issues with coaches before. Now, it appears similar problems are popping up in Dallas.

During the third quarter of Tuesday night's Mavericks game against the Toronto Raptors, Rondo and coach Rick Carlisle went at it. And when I say "went at it," I mean it verbally, but man, did they go at it...

This isn't exactly the first time we've seen Rondo bonk heads with a coach of his. Heck, Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops once reported that Rondo almost got into a physical altercation with then Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers after dropping a particularly unwarranted bomb on him. Yes, it was the same bomb as the one he dropped on Carlisle.

Eventually, Rondo's exchange with his Dallas coach got him benched, though sitting could've also had something to do with his subpar performance that evening or the ball-stalling tactics he brings to a generally free-flowing offense. 

Naturally Mavericks owner Mark Cuban weighed in on the Rondo action. From ESPN's Tim McMahon:

Cuban might be right. The fight might be nothing. After all, that's just how some guys compete. Still, it's symbolic of something else, even if it isn't all that big of a deal. 

Symbolic of the Mavericks' slide on offense since acquiring the style-changing guard. Symbolic of seeing a team that was first in points per possession at the time of the Rondo deal rank 11th in the games since making that acquisition about two months ago (even if the Mavs have improved on defense). Symbolic of Rondo's reputation throughout his entire career. 

Now, we just have to see if there are any long-term ramifications as the 39-20 Mavericks try to compete in the West.

share

Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Basketball Association