The Boston Celtics have been called old and slow, past their prime, but point guard Rajon Rondo continually defied critics and brought a spark of youth and hope to the organization. However, after Rondo tore his ACL against the Miami Heat last Sunday, the Celtics arsenal was severely compromised. Rondo will sit on the bench for the remainder of the season, forcing the Celtics to plan ahead as they hope to salvage their dwindling season.
Rumors of a big time trade are now beginning to swirl around Boston. With a 21-23 record and Rondo out, the team may be forced to take drastic action. Legendary Celtic small forward Paul Pierce has been brought up in trade talks, resulting in an outcry from Boston diehards, but the Celtics' offense is currently ranked 26th, and without Rondo, things will only get worse.
Potential trade prospects for the 35-year-old player aren't exactly what the Celtics are looking for either. Pierce is approaching a career-low 41.9 percent shooting from the field and has been noticeably slowed on the court.
The Celtics have expressed interest in passing Pierce to the Grizzlies in return for small forward Rudy Gay. It would be an expensive trade for Boston and would leave the team without one of their most beloved icons. Boston has also expressed interest in Orlando's J.J. Redick and Toronto's point guard Kyle Lowry, but as of now nothing is certain.
In response to trade rumors, Boston Celtics President Danny Ainge told the Boston Globe "we got 11 healthy bodies and it's tough to get those 11 guys on the court. We have good, healthy players that can't get the time they deserve and they want, so we have no need right now. We'll see over the next few weeks what we need."
It's going to be a waiting game for the Boston Celtics, but now the cries of their age and ill-fated future will ring even truer. Now all Rondo can do is sit and watch as his team picks up the broken pieces.
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