Rajon Rondo hosts Numbers Never Lie: talks LeBron-Wade, Carmelo/Love to Boston, his own free agency


Rajon Rondo seems well on the way to having a career in television broadcasting when his playing days are through.  Earlier this season he filled in during the broadcast of a Celtics game on CSNNE, and today he hosted ESPN's Numbers Never Lie with Jemele Hill.  Here are some of his highlights:

Should LeBron James have some doubts about staying in Miami?

"I definitely think he should have some doubts. Especially the way they played in the Finals, it doesn't look too great how they ended the season, and it's not about making it to the Finals, it's about winning for those guys."

How big of a factor should Dwyane Wade's "declining health" be in LeBron's decision to return?

'The way he showed up in the Finals, [LeBron] may have some doubts... my sidekick guy, my go to guy.  If I don't have the ball rolling who can I defer to?  It didn't look like those guys could go to Wade, or even Bosh in the Finals."

Is Carmelo Anthony the missing piece for Chicago?

"I think 'Melo could be the missing piece, but if he does move like that we'll have to figure something out in Boston."

Later when Hill was talking about Chicago or Houston as potential destinations for Carmelo, Rondo interrupted her and said:

"Or Boston.  You never know.  You never know what Danny [Ainge] is capable of doing.  I can't tell you too much, but we want to be contenders as well next year.  We don't plan on being down too long.  I think Danny has a lot of wiggle room with what he's done in the past couple years with the draft, so I'm looking forward to what's going to happen.  Hopefully he [Carmelo] doesn't go to Chicago." 

How would Carmelo fit in Boston?

"Who knows, the sky is the limit.  I play to try to win a championship every year, and with 'Melo I think it's very possible."

On his meeting with Kevin Love at Fenway, are you recruiting?

"No, I'm not recruiting at all.  Kevin's under contract, the CBA, NBA takes that very seriously.  No recruiting... As I was exiting Kevin Love was at the box suites, I spoke to him, said 'Hello.'  No pitch, just wanted him to enjoy his time in Boston, and that was about it."

Your contract is up next summer, do you see yourself staying in Boston?

"That's the plan.  You never know what the season brings, but as of right now I don't want to go anywhere.  I just want to win.  I want to bring in guys that are willing to win, guys that are competitive and want to win as well, just as I do.  I believe Danny will do that.  I have a lot of faith in Danny and I've just been in Boston working my butt off." 
"Boston's a great city, especially this time of the year... The fans are great there.  They're absolutely amazing, the best fans in the world." 


You can listen to ESPN's podcast of the entire show here.  More to come when official video clips become available...




Follow Mark Vandeusen on twitter @LucidSportsFan