Bulls slap Rajon Rondo with one-game suspension for detrimental conduct

Rondo had a 'heated exchange' with a Bulls assistant coach but later apologized

The Chicago Bulls suspended Rajon Rondo one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the club announced Monday. Rondo's argumentative behavior has gotten him in trouble in the past, and that appears to be the case here.

According to the Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, Rondo had a "heated exchange" with a Bulls assistant coach during Chicago's 102-87 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Rondo played just 23 minutes (he is averaging 30.5 minutes a game) and sat for a long stretch in the second half of that game.

The Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson reports that Rondo has already apologized for his actions and attended a team function Sunday. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said he met with Rondo and doesn't seem too concerned. Rondo won't suit up for Chicago's upcoming game against Portland.

Hoiberg on Rondo: "He and I met yesterday. Had a good meeting. He'll meet us at the plane tonight. He'll be back in uniform tomorrow."

— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) December 5, 2016

Like his coach, Jimmy Butler also isn't concerned with Rondo's behavior against the Mavs:

Jimmy Butler on #Bulls teammate Rajon Rondo: "He's a phenomenal damn teammate and I back him on everything."

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) December 5, 2016

Numbers-wise, Rondo is averaging 8.2 points, 7.2 assists and 6.7 rebounds. However, he is averaging a career-low in points and is also shooting a career-low 39.1 percent to go along with a dismal 33 percent mark from 3-point range. The Bulls also actually play better without Rondo, as Chicago's net rating with each starter is lower when he shares the court with them.

Against the Blazers, the Bulls will likely start Jerian Grant, who torched Portland in their first meeting with 18 points and five steals. Rondo was injured in that game, so Grant started in his place and Chicago won 113-88.