January 24, 2013, Knicks at TD Garden: three of NY's made 3pt shots in the first 3 quarters were by WIDE OPEN guys (2 by Kidd, 1 by Shumpert), who were wide open as a direct result of Rondo's failure to guard. On those and many other plays, Rondo could be seen wandering around outside the main action, looking lost, doing NOTHING BUT WATCHING. Why? Because Rondo likes to play free safety. And Rondo usually does what he wants to do.

And then there was that (totally failed) pass back to Bass in the 3rd quarter, which he attempted INSTEAD OF...... (wait for it.........) a WIDE OPEN LAYUP right in front of him. Sound familiar? Of course.... this was merely the latest is a LONG, LONG line of similarly inexcusable behavior by Rondo. He does this kind of thing ALL THE TIME.

Is "inexcusable" too harsh? I don't think so. There simply is no excuse for what he did, and has done OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, game after game after game. Say what you will about Rondo's attributes, list all his positives for as long as you want.... that particular behavior -- which remember: he does REGULARLY -- is UNCONSCIONABLE.

And it's more than enough reason to get rid of the player doing it. Bottom line.

Title says: "Rondo's Continuing Refusal." Refusal to do what? Refusal to grow up.

If Rondo hasn't managed to grow up after 6.5 years in the NBA, at the age of 27, then I'm afraid the only reasonable conclusion is that it's hopeless for him. He is just not going to make it. Yes, he gives the team a lot; he works hard on offense; and he sacrifices his body too, from time to time; but he also takes away a lot. Too much, in the final analysis. It's not worth it. It CAN'T BE worth it. Because: we are NOT going to win any more championships with that kind of immature prima donna as our main ball handler and putative "leader" of the offense. That's just not gonna happen; not in this lifetime. Rondo may be able to lead a bunch of grade schoolers... but he's not going to lead the Boston Celtics anywhere except to failure.

Bottom line: The conclusion is now inescapable. Rondo has to go. Danny, do whatever deal you need to do.... we love the kid's spirit, but he is permanently out of control, and he has to go.