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We’re going to try to take full advantage of their ability to get in the open court, to keep constant pressure on the defense. I think all three of those guys have the ability to keep constant pressure on the defense and to really break a defense down and put us in a good position offensively.”

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And this is what it all boils down to, really. It is not about the team saluting Rondo as he walks in the door, falling in line for inspection, and waiting for his inspirational words of wisdom. It is about trust. At 26 years old, Rondo has earned the unequivocal trust of his Hall of Fame teammates. They trust him to see things, say things, and tell them things that will lead to the team’s ultimate success. For Garnett and Pierce, the pressure is off. ;oiuoi8o7

And hell, sometimes, when you have been “the man” your entire career, it is not a bad break every once in a while to let someone else handle the spotlight as you slip out the side door. It’s nice to know that, as the last sands drip through the hourglass of your career, the team you are leaving is in good hands. 789lihlkh

Griffin went on to say that the existence of the rule is good in theory, but he doubts it will make a difference on the court: “It’s not going to win or lose games for anybody… But now you’re telling me if it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals and a guy has a chance to make a play he’s going to be like, ‘Well, do I want this $10,000 or do I want a championship?’kjgjkmgjhf

It’s a fair assessment. I think most fans, players, and coaches alike know that flopping is a problem, and doesn’t belong in the league. The trouble is, how do you fix it? Will a policy like this actually work? My main concern would be how it is enforced, since judging whether somebody is flopping is completely subjective. Granted, some, if not most, are pretty obvious, but what happens the first time someone gets suspended or fined heftily for a controversial flop?p[]9090

The battle lines for playing time have been drawn in Toronto and there will be no free rides for young, developing players this time around. What the Raptors lineup will look like by opening night is already starting to take shape.jlky89o787