Young, Pierce Share What Rondo & Carter Have Provided The Past Three Seasons In Atlanta
In his final two seasons, Vince Carter decided to mentor Atlanta’s young players instead of ring chase.
“It just wasn’t my thing. It’s just something that I wasn’t interested in doing. I mean to be a part of a team where I feel like I can help out, and play some minutes, is what I wanted to do,” the Hawks vet said when asked why he never chased a ring, Catter told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
“I just wanted to play. You know? Yes, I could lend my wisdom, and be an unbelievable mentor for guy. But sometimes showing is better than telling. You know? What you’re talking about in-game situations or positioning. Whatever the case may be. So it was just kind of one of those things that I just didn’t want to do, and I don’t think I could handle. I would be miserable as a player. Just because I love competing. I mean, anybody who watches me play, I can’t just sit down and just watch the game.”
In the off-season, the Hawks signed two-time NBA champion, Rajon Rondo to a multi-year deal.
On December 22, 2020, Rondo was a gu est on the “ALL THE SMOKE.” During the episode, Rondo revealed that he was excited to share his knowledge with Trae Young and the rest of the Hawks young team.
“I am very excited,” Rondo stated. “We’ve been in the gym a couple of times already, just kind of picking each other’s brain and getting some shots together. So he seems like a sponge. And I am ready to give him whatever I have. Obviously, try to lead him to the best point guard, he can possibly be… I am excited to teach him and all the other young guys as well.”
Following Wednesday night’s game against the Mavericks, I asked Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce what Carter and Rondo had brought to his team. Over the last three seasons.
“Just a presence, and a voice in the locker room. When have the film sessions, meetings, and the executions portions of practice with a guy, that has been there and done that,” said Pierce.
“That can articulate what we are trying to deliver to the guys, and give them some of the details that are important. Rondo has been tremendous in doing that, Solomon Hill has been tremendous in doing that, Vince was tremendous for us. But, all that matters when are trying to advance your organization.”
I also asked Trae Young the same question during his post game interview session.
“Yeah, just their veteran experiences they have both been through a lot and have seen a lot,” said Young.
“So, for me, I’m a sponge when it comes to listening, especially people’s stories, and those two have a lot of stories. So, I’m able to listen a lot to those two.”
Trae Young is averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game for the Hawks through 19 games this season.
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