Rajon Rondo was suspended for one game by the Dallas Mavericks after a sustained argument with coach Rick Carlisle, who benched Rondo for the last 20 minutes against the Raptors. Rondo came to Dallas from Boston two months ago in a trade marked by high expectations on the Mavs side.
The official reason given for the Rondo suspension was the reliably vague “conduct detrimental to the team.” Dallas prides itself on being a strong organization top to bottom, with high conduct levels and full buy-in expected from everyone. Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who had some problems–and also championship glory–with Rondo in Boston said “It happens. They’re both winners and they’ll figure it out, I really believe that,” reported ESPN’s Calvin Watkins. “Rick Carlisle has proven he’s a championship coach, Rondo has proven he’s a championship point guard.”
