BOSTON — The long-awaited meeting between Rajon Rondo and Danny Ainge took place via phone on Thursday. Those hoping for drama will be disappointed.
Ainge addressed reporters at practice Friday, and the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations reportedly called himself “satisfied” with his conversation with the All-Star point guard. He told reporters he was moving forward — echoing coach Brad Stevens’ remarks on Wednesday — and did not outline any punishment coming Rondo’s way.
“I’ve been around a lot of leaders, and leaders make a lot of mistakes,” Ainge said, according to ESPN.com. “Mistakes don’t disqualify you from being a leader.”
Rondo did not speak with reporters Friday.
Rondo chose not to accompany the Celtics to Sacramento for a game last weekend, opting to stay in Los Angeles instead to celebrate his birthday with his family. The decision raised some eyebrows, especially after Rondo refused to talk about it with the media and reports indicated that Ainge wanted to meet with him.
Some observers criticized Rondo, the team’s captain, for showing poor leadership and suggested some punitive measure. Now that the meeting has happened, however, Ainge, Stevens and Rondo appear to be focused on moving on. Rondo is expected to play Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.
