RELIVING RONDO: When it came to Rondo and the Heat, it always was a fascinating case study. On one hand, he publicly stated he could never envision himself playing for the Heat. On the other, he also would show up for Alonzo Mourning's Heat charity fundraisers. Much of the antipathy came from the Game 3 incident in the 2011 East semifinals, when Rondo dislocated his left elbow on a play that the Celtics contended came from an intentional takedown by Dwyane Wade. Rondo returned to finish that game, essentially playing with one arm. He also, of course, loaded up against the Heat in Game 2 of the 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals, when he had 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds against the Heat (in a loss, when LeBron James had 34 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Heat). For the Heat, Rondo is now in a better place . . . in the opposite conference, reduced to only two matchups a season, and only one more this season (Dallas' Jan. 30 visit to AmericanAirlines Arena).

RAY'S WAY: To those who believe the NBA season doesn't truly begin until Christmas, Heat free-agent guard Ray Allen appears to be making that a reality. Still unsigned, Allen remains in the thoughts of just about every contender, including the one guided by his former Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Of Allen's status and whether the NBA's all-time 3-point leader would be embraced by his Los Angeles Clippers, Rivers said this past week, "I have interest in him, like everyone else. He's a good player, I think. I know he's great at golf right now, probably a scratch golfer by now. He's had all this time. I'm assuming he's still a good player." As for stepping on toes, Clippers sixth man Jamal Crawford told the Long Beach Press-Telegram it would be a non-issue, "I think Ray Allen is a welcome addition to any team. Honestly, if we can get him and he's out there, I think that would be a great addition."