Boston Celtics’ guard Rajon Rondo . AP
MANILA, Philippines-As his saga in Celtic green has come to an end, Rajon Rondo bid his farewell to the Boston fans that saw him transform into one of the elite point guards in the NBA.
“My time in Boston has meant so much,” Rondo said in his official Facebook page Friday afternoon. “I’ve grown up with this city both as a basketball player and as a person.”
Rondo, who started his NBA career with the Boston Celtics in 2006, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks Friday early morning (Manila time), for Brandan Wright, Jameer Nelson, Jar Crowder, a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 second-round draft pick.
“The love I have for the most loyal and supportive fans in the league is unmatched,” Rondo said. “My teammates have shown nothing but heart the last couple of seasons, they are some of the hardest working guys I’ve played with and I wish them the best.”
Waiting for Rondo in Dallas are German superstar Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons to form a starting five that has the potential to take the NBA by storm.
In just Rondo’s second year in the league, he helped the Boston Celtics win the 2008 championship, and their 17th overall, with the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in the Finals against arch rivals Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Saying goodbye to his basketball home for eight years, the former Kentucky Wildcat said he looks forward to the opportunity to play in Dallas and start something new.
“I’m happy to have experienced my most successful and challenging years with the Celtics organization, fans and city,” Rondo said. “The opportunity to play with guys like Dirk, Monta, Tyson and the young talent of Chandler is very exciting and I look forward to building something special in Dallas.”
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