Now that a reclaimed starting role has restored his eventful 2016-17 season, Rajon Rondo doesn’t know where his 2017-18 season will take him.
“I’ll visit that in the offseason,” the 10-year veteran said. “I’m just focused on trying to make the playoffs and do what I can for this team to help us win each game.”
Because only $3 million of his $13.4 million is guaranteed if he’s waived by June 30, Rondo’s deal could become useful in a trade. The league’s moratorium to set the new fiscal year starts July 1.
It’s more likely than not Rondo is playing elsewhere next season. And while Rondo has expressed his dissatisfaction over losing his starting role back in December, albeit professionally, he is maintaining the same mindset he has held throughout now that’s back running with Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler.
“I tried to stay positive throughout the entire thing. I’m not going to point fingers or say anything toward the organization,” Rondo said. “They gave me the opportunity to play for the Chicago Bulls and that was the goal from the jump.
“I was still playing (as a backup) besides those five games (not playing by coach’s decision). I’m doing what I love. I’m getting paid to do it. I don’t take that for granted. It’s a blessing to be able to do what I love for a job and able to take care of my family. It’s all about perspective.”
Coach Fred Hoiberg consistently has lauded Rondo’s approach.
“He has been through a lot this year, probably more than anybody on this team based on what he’s accomplished over the course of his career,” Hoiberg said.
Peer praise: Vince Carter still is going strong for the Grizzlies in his 19th season.
“He’s my role model,” Rondo said. “He got a reverse dunk the other day. I won’t be doing that at 40. I won’t be doing that at 32. He’s a pro’s pro. … I’m going to probably try to get his game plan how he did it. I’m sticking to what I’m doing, yoga and lifting weights as much as possible. You have to be lucky and gift from God as well.”
Layups: The Bulls set a franchise record with 40 3-point attempts Monday in Charlotte, N.C., two games after tying the franchise mark with 39 attempts versus the Rockets. … On Monday, the Bulls had four players —Wade, Butler, Nikola Mirotic and Rondo — score 20 or more points and shoot 50 percent or better for the first time since Artis Gilmore, Reggie Theus, Larry Kenon and Ricky Sobers did so on Feb. 11, 1981.
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