Why Did Rajon Rondo "Rest" Against Spain?

When I tuned into NBA TV yesterday to watch Team USA battle Spain in an exhibition game, I was a little perplexed when it was announced that former UK star Rajon Rondo was being rested and would not play in the game.

Theories and speculation began almost immediately as to why Rondo was being held out of the lineup.

The common (and valid) theories included:

- Rondo is in Coach K's "doghouse" and is in danger of being the last man cut from the roster
- Coach K needed to get a better look at the other guards as he will be cutting one of them
- Team USA did not want to show its "full deck" of cards prior to the World Championships

The worst, or best depending on how you look at it, theory from Twitter:

"Coach K hates Kentucky!" (user anonymous for his/her protection)

Late yesterday, the question was answered on Twitter by Chris Forsberg, who passed along a quote from Coach K:

Coach K on Rondo's DNP (and Granger's): "Those are two veterans and young guys haven’t had a chance to start... so before we select our 12 we needed to give everyone a look."

So, there you have it...Rajon Rondo appears to be the team's first option at point guard and is not in danger of being cut.
The United States returns to action Wednesday at Noon in a battle against Greece.