The Dallas Mavericks have completely ruled out superstar guard Rajon Rondo for the duration of the playoffs as well as for his future with the team after he sustained a back injury in a game against the Houston Rockets last Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle was asked if people should expect to see Rondo in a blue and white uniform next season given that this summer sees him becoming a free agent.

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"No, I don't," Carlisle said.

Rondo clocked in for only 34 seconds in the second half of the Mavericks' Game 2 loss against the Rockets.

Soon after that half a minute mark, he was benched by Carlisle after Rondo picked up two quick fouls while defending James Harden. He also managed to pick up a technical foul.

All in all, the former All-Star player amassed just under 10 minutes of court time for the whole game.

Sources say that Rondo's back pain initially started a week ago. Rondo braved through it though and kept on playing.

Upon sustaining the initial injury, he did not inform the Mavericks trainer until he was called for a blocking foul on Harden during Game 2.

When reporters asked Carlisle whether he wanted Rondo on the floor, he replied by saying that he needs everybody on the team to be at their competitive best. It is not about one person, Carlisle says, but everybody pulling in the same direction for the organization

The answer, while neutral, does not hide what Carlisle really feels about Rondo. It is no secret that the two have gotten into shouting matches during games.

However, personal feelings aside, Rondo's performance was alone to net him scorn from his fellow teammates and organization.

Just four minutes into Game 2, Rondo calmly walked the ball up the court and was subsequently called for an eight-second backcourt violation.

Apart from the back injury he has, it is actions like this that keeps Rajon Rondo from possibly continuing with the Dallas Mavericks. 

TagsRajon Rondo, back injury