Rajon Rondo is not your average point guard. This much is a given. In fact, that might be the only definitive thing I can say about him at this point.
He's a great passer but he sometimes looks to pass to a fault. He can be an elite defender but he gambles too much. He's a poor shooter but he'll still take a shot from time to time. He's incredibly bright by all accounts, but also terribly stubborn. He has a stoic face but you can see the fire in him. He's utterly fearless and plays through pain, yet he sometimes slacks off and may have too thin of a skin for his own good.
To me, these are the reasons why Rondo is becoming the most polarizing player for fans. He's either totally mesmerizing or completely infuriating, sometimes in the same game.
If, like me, you focus on the positives, you'll see a 2 time All Star pass-first point guard with triple double potential who has proven that he can take his game to the highest levels when it matters most. On the other hand, if you choose to focus on the negative, you'll see an inconsistent, moody, potentially fatally flawed enigma of a player that may not be worth building around. Neither opinion is wrong or right, they are opinions.
Here's the thing that keeps me coming back for more and makes me want to sign up for at least a few more years of Rondo after this year. He's never been in a situation at the pro level tailor made to accentuate his talents. Sure, as a pass first guy he's blessed with 3 Hall of Famers to pass to, but they do almost all their work in the half court. As you may have heard, Rondo's lack of jumper creates a sagging defense that dares him to shoot at the expense of other guys getting open.
Rondo needs to run but he doesn't have the horses to gallop with. He's a young black stallion that has grown up hitched to a team of clydesdales. He gets the job done, but you get the feeling that if he was ever unbridled he'd be something incredible to behold.
I'm not saying that we need to blow this thing up now. But when the season is over, I'd like Danny to think long and hard about bringing in some runners and gunners (who are willing to play a little defense as well). Imagine an athletic big man pulling down a board, outlletting to Rondo, who pushes the ball down the defenses throat and leaves the ball off for one of two streaking wing players who finishes with a flush. Or perhaps the next time down he draws the defenders to himself but kicks it out beyond the arc for an open look at the 3. This happens in dribs and drabs with this group (see the back to back alley-oops to JJJ and Wilcox), but not often enough to utilize Rondo's talent.
He'll need to be surrounded by shooters that can get open without having the ball in their hands (a reason to keep Ray Allen around for as long as is fiscally possible). He'll also need some bigs to bang and board down low. Imagine a Varejao type roaming the paint, gobbling up missed Rondo jumpers and putting them back for scores. It would be like a modified assist.
It wouldn't be easy, but it could certainly be done. Danny would have to stop dangling Rondo in trades and start making a concerted effort to build around the guy. That might mean taking a pass on the "best player available" in free agency or the draft if that guy was a bad fit.
Of course you could determine that it isn't worth building a whole team around one enigmatic player. Maybe it would be easier with a "normal" point guard and a more traditional offense. But what would be the fun in that? Personally I'm all in on Rondo. I want to see him retire a Celtic if possible. On the other hand, I get it if you have reservations and wouldn't mind "selling high" on him right now. He's just a different kind of guy and he's not for everyone.
Still, I would argue that his uniqueness is what makes him so special. You don't get rid of a Monet because it doesn't match your furniture. You buy new furniture and look to add more Monets to compliment it. At least that's what I'd do if I were a filthy rich art collector. Danny's going to have a lot of money to spend this summer. Here's hoping that he spends it like a filthy rich art collector.
0 recs | 78 comments
The hope that's left for THIS season
…is that Rondo will bring the A game we saw from him last night to the playoffs… versus the D game we saw in Toronto.
Toronto might have been due to the lack of sleep the night before, though, as it was a Road-2nd-of-Back-to-Back, which are killer for that reason (nobody sleeps before 5am, probably later). I can see how Rondo’s stubbornness and rebel sensibility could have led to that terrible performance…. maybe he just doesn’t appreciate being kicked around like that by the league schedule. Can’t say I’d really blame him.
Luckily, none of that crap happens in the playoffs. So…. there is some logic to the hope that Rondo will, in fact, bring his A game to the playoffs, starting from day one, right through the last Finals game.
(Just trying to sneak one by ya there, basketball gods.)
JR99 - February 13, 2012
the rondo from the toronto game was..
A direct result of the Rondo we saw in the lake game. Rondo was pissed about his all star snub earlier that day. Then after the Lakers sagged off Rondo and the Celtics lost a game they should have won against their most hated rival on their home court again, I think the big 3 gave Rondo an earful, so the next night against Toronto Rondo was in one of his funks, thinking that he wasn’t to blame that it was the big 3’s fault that they couldn’t run with him, so Rondo was disinterested and lethargical. After the Toronto game, doc didn’t speak to his players till almost an hour after the game. Doc gave Rondo an earful, he is inclined to do that, especially with the PG’s. When they played the bulls at home on TV against the top team in the league, Rondo came out with the attitude that I am going to show them (coaching staff/teammates), AND HE DID JUST THAT. Some credit must go to Doc for imploring the team to pick up the pace. This is the Rondo we love and this is what the Celtics can be if they RUN!!!
greensince72 - February 13, 2012
"Rondo was pissed about his all star snub"
“I think the big 3 gave Rondo an earful”
“Rondo was in one of his funks, thinking that he wasn’t to blame”
“Rondo came out with the attitude that I am going to show them”
and you know all this … how? You read minds? You are an intimate member of the team’s inner circle?
It makes for and entertaining soap-opera. But relationship to reality? Pretty tenuous.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012
realtity, i can't speak abbout the big 3...
But I do know he was upset about the all star snub, that deron was chosen over him. I do know that doc got on rondo’s butt after the Toronto game, the rest is reading between the lines and filling in the blanks…
greensince72 - February 13, 2012
Once again, how do you know this?
Do you have Rajon Rondo’s personal diary?
Are you a psychologist that can read into people’s souls and know what they are feeling?
Give me a break.
AlexC - February 14, 2012
actually i am a psychologist..
And its time for you to give up the binky, no really, just let it go….
greensince72 - February 14, 2012
I believe the required attribute is the qualifier, "... who can read into people's souls and know what they are feeling".
without ever knowing them personally or for that matter getting closer than about 50 feet of them.
mmmmm - February 14, 2012
Well actually
That crap will happen in the Conference Finals where the same teams will play on a back2back, blame Stern!!
SparzWizard - February 13, 2012
Rondoooo
is definitely unique, I’ll say that much…..What the heck happened to Bass, how did
he get hurt?
Great Gatsby - February 13, 2012
*Caveat
I think Rondo CAN hit the open J, when he doesn’t think about it OR hesitate then shoot it.
If he would do it instinctively…
Great Gatsby - February 13, 2012
He should just
take those open shots. I’d take my chances with his jump shot rather than finding a good option against a paint-packed defense in 24 seconds.
greysoul0614 - February 13, 2012
inflamation in right knee
began after Knick game feb 3
gocanes1 - February 13, 2012
rock & a hard place
He plays when he wants to,rarely defends anymore and is uncoachable.As he becomes more and more valuable,he just gets worse.He’ll be gone by October
Motown - February 13, 2012
He can defend...
As Jeff said, he just gambles too much, no he won’t be gone.
Great Gatsby - February 13, 2012
Ya, two time all-NBA defensive team.
Dude can’t defend. Right?
C'sFan - February 13, 2012
All-Defensive Team is like All-Star Team
The most deserving candidates don’t always make it.
Many times, splashy plays or name recognition get you on the team.
Kobe has made it 11 times (1st and 2nd team), tied for the second-most all-time high with KG (Duncan is #1 all-time). Kobe should not have been on the All-Defensive Team 11 times.
Wicklow - February 13, 2012
while this is sometimes true
Rondo’s defensive value is supported by a wealth of statistical analysis both simple and advanced. He really is worth way more than average on defense.
Without even diving deep into numbers, all you have to consider is that over the last few years he has played the second most minutes on what has consistently been one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. ’Hard to see how that happens if he sucked on defense.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012 via iPhone app
I agree, Motown--his time here is limited.
clover - February 13, 2012
Are you even watching the games?
Rondo is playing the best defense of his career. He even “gambles” at the right times. Gets the steal for a fast break, or disrupt the other teams offense late in the shot clock. I can’t remember one person who scored on him even close to their average. He’s a lock for all NBA defensive 1st team… yet again.
Yogesh Raghunathan - February 13, 2012
If he could just learn from Avery
I know that sounds weird, but Avery is a better on-the-ball defender than Rondo.
Rondo is better at playing passing lanes, but he doesn’t seem to give the opposing point guard a hard time as much as I’d like to see.
Bradley on the other hand is sth to watch defensively. You can SEE that the opposing point guard doesn’t like playing against this guy. He doesn’t get as many steals as Rondo, but his man-to-man defense just changes the game
greysoul0614 - February 13, 2012
Avery plays limited minutes, doesn't run an offense and doesn't care about fouls.
A lot of people here do not know the first thing about help defense. You want small guards driving into the bigs where they get blocked or stripped from behind. We need our second big to rotate quickly to stop offensive boards and easy baskets. Baby drew those charges, JO blocks/draws charges, Bass and Wilcox need to get better at drawing charges.
Ray was awful early in the year when everyone was beating him, but he improved a lot over the last 3 weeks. Rondo plays his guys perfectly. Why do guys never score on Rondo if he gambles too much? His defensive numbers are off the charts.
Yogesh Raghunathan - February 13, 2012
This^
Bradley is, indeed an awesome on-ball defender and his press coverage may be the best I’ve ever seen – certainly in a long while. And that has tremendous defensive value because it chews precious time off the shot clock for the other team.
But Rondo is very savvy about knowing which hand to guide his man to based on where his help defender is going to. Rondo almost never attacks the ball on the wrong side when he goes for steals. If his man goes, there is almost always a help defender on that side.
Bradley actually still has a ton to learn in this regard from Rondo and if you think about it, it bodes well for just how good a total defender that Bradley could be down the road. When he gets experienced enough to be as confident as Rondo in knowing when/where the help will be there behind him on an attack on the ball, he’ll be able to be even more aggressive in selling out for steals.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012
You know – and I had a satellite back in those days – I can’t for the life of me remember Larry Bird or Kevin McHale mailing one in. Ever.
CoachBo - February 13, 2012
Ditto
I also watched Kevin and Larry on the big dish, and agree….they never mailed one in.
Dipper - February 13, 2012
+1000
Consistency/hunger with this team has been lacking since last season. Not hungry anymore probably?
vgarcia890 - February 13, 2012
This
“Danny would have to stop dangling Rondo in trades and start making a concerted effort to build around the guy.”
Well, that was the point of the much-maligned Jeff Green trade. And (talk about water under the bridge) what was so wrong about the Sheed-Shaq-JON singings. If mngt is to be faulted, its for not following a consistent path vs-a-vis making Running with Rondo a viable series.
Tenacious D - February 13, 2012
Shaq and Rondo were a great combo.
clover - February 13, 2012
if green were healthy this year he would have helped us...
Doc said that he and the coaching staff spent most of the summer planning on bringing in offensive sets that were going to utilize the teams quickness, changing the teams style of play to combat the heat, bulls, Pacers etc… imagine if you will having green out there yesterday RUNNING the floor.
greensince72 - February 13, 2012
Truth.
Losing him hurt, a lot.
That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
C'sFan - February 13, 2012
nail on the head
You hit the nail on the head with, “He’s a young black stallion that has grown up hitched to a team of Clydesdales”
If the Big Three were 5 years younger then it makes sense to mover Rondo for someone who fits in better with them but as it stands now that makes no sense because the Big Three are at the end of the road or close to it.
Jeff Green would have given Doc the option to either put another fleet footed, elite athlete into the starting line up or at least play Jeff Green a whole lot of minutes with Rondo in an effort to get the best out of Rondo.
Rondo has been fortunate to play most of his career with the BIi Three because he learned how to win and how to play the right way from them but they have also kept him from reaching his full potential because they cannot play the game in a way that would allow Rondo to thrive.
CelticsFanNC - February 13, 2012
Make that "a team of perimeter Clydesdales".
clover - February 13, 2012
It's a point guard league now
If Danny is going to trade Rondo, he’s going to need to develop or find a franchise PG to match up with all the great PGs around the league.
TripleOT - February 13, 2012
Well-said, Jeff. I just don't think Danny is going to stop dangling him
And that is fine with me. Unless the guy shows that he is going to come to play every night and unless Danny gets the right players around him, it makes no sense to have him on this team. If Danny can get some really good pieces for the future, he should trade him.
vinnie - February 13, 2012
amen...preaching to the choir...
Bring it every game Rondo, we KNOW that you are that skilled…
greensince72 - February 13, 2012
Rondo Speed vs Clydesdales
We don’t know if Danny’s purpose is to build around Rondo. And you don’t need speed to run whether it’s the point guard or those around him. The Celtics do run with Rondo. They run when they get defensive rebounds. They may not all be the fastest guys in the race, but they do run. That was very evident yesterday.
In mentioning Sheed-Shaq-JO, this is a bit out of context. Danny wasn’t trying to get Centers who could run he was trying to get Centers period. And at value. He was not going to pay for a Center who could run fast (and most can’t) when they weren’t worth the money. All these guys played well when healthy.
If the purpose is to put speed around Rondo in a rebuilding of the team, I don’t think this is a great premise. Yes, you need speed, but you also need experience and experience usually = age which means less speed.
A fast break or a running team isn’t just about speed, it may not be about speed at all. It’s about getting the rebound, having a good outlet pass and others running in specific lanes or to specific areas. It’s about execution. Larry Bird could run a break as well as anyone and he used his lack of speed to his advantage. His lack of speed had other not so fast players in front of him so that he could see the entire floor with the eyes in front of his head and not the ones in back.
Rondo’s type of play fit perfectly with his present team. He doesn’t need speed. Speed can be nice, but there’s more to it. Yesterday we saw Wilcox beat everyone up the floor and get baskets because of it. Buy Pierce and Ray were also with Rondo on fast breaks.
The Celtics problems now and whether it is good or bad for Rondo is lack of defensive rebounding leading to opponents getting more shots and easy ones. It is also not driving to the basket to at least create fouls that are called. It is also turnovers, mostly unforced.
Rondo is a great player and can thrive with any team because of his passing ability. He can use his own speed to advantage and he can use it to create shots for others. He can also slow it down and do the same things. I also think Rondo is a better shooter than he might appear to be I like to see him take those open shots. They will start to fall when he gets more used to taking them. That will change the way teams defend him and open up the floor for others.
I don’t think the whole premise should be to build around Rondo. I think it should just be to get good players on longer contracts and to keep Rondo here. Next year we should have the money to get the right contracts. It’s a matter of getting players worth the money.
TrueGreen - February 13, 2012
bring in batum & ilyasova...
Both are unrestricted free agents… then go get Courtney Lee from Houston, also unrestricted…
Sign Jeff green… then watch them ruuuuunnnnn….
greensince72 - February 13, 2012
"They run when they get defensive rebounds."
Quoted for truth.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012
The need for speed
The old-time Celtics, I’m talking Russell, Jones brothers, Havlicek et al were an opportunistic fast break team. It all began with the rebound and outlet and even after made baskets I have ingrained images of Russell getting the ball from the nets and in one motion sweeping out of bounds and then whipping it down the floor to start a break. Yes, Havlicek was a greyhound who could run all game—much like Ray is now but more versatile in his later years—and Sam and KC could get up and down pretty well but it was all predicated on that rebound and pass. Both the PF and C box out and one of them grabs the rebound and gets it to RR who makes the play happen. That’s the recipe for fastbreak BB and we can still do that if if we clean the glass and get the rebound. The problem is we lack reliable bigs who can get up and get those boards. Think about the Big 3 of Bird, McHale, and Parrish. Each of them averaged 8-10 rebounds a game for a number of seasons (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/birdla01.html). Larry never averaged under 9 when he played a full season. McHale has similar numbers, about 1 less per game give or take and Parrish had slightly higher totals. Point being that night in and night out for 6-8 seasons those 3 averaged nearly 30 rebounds per game. Add in the fact that they defended the rim and you can see how crucial rebounding bigs are. Russell won titles with a variety of point guards including of course Cousy, KC, but also Em Bryant—none of those guys could shoot that well but they were hard nosed defenders—especially KC (and probably Cousy though I never saw him play until the tail end of his career) who could make the pass to the right guy at the right time—sound familiar? The problem and the reason why people are for trading Rondo is because with the bigs not in place we can’t get it done. I mean sure we’d all love to think Wilcox could become the player he might have been coming out as the 8th pick in the draft, but if he hasn’t done it yet, how can we reasonably think he’ll do it now? Most likely he’ll be up and down. JJJ, yes he’s showing great promise but like all rookies he’ll take 2 steps forward and 1 back and will learn consistency as time goes by. So who do we have who can get us 9-12 rpg? No one. I love KG. Lived in Minny when he first came up and read all about his tryouts when the Twolves had the high draft pick that year. But our eyes tell us he isn’t capable of getting those boards; no shame, he’s been a warrior for 17 years. However, if we can get a big who can man up whom KG can complement now we’re talking. I know, it could have been Perkins but you know what that ain’t happening and Perkins isn’t/wasn’t the answer anyways. So now we get to reality. My take: the future is now, right now and if we are to make a deep run we need a quality big who can defend the rim, get the boards, and hit the put backs and if he has a jump hook or in close jumper—that’s all the better. So—this brings us to Danny. He’s the decider. Is there a deal out there that brings back the big and a pg who makes us better this spring for the push? If so pull the trigger. If not, develop JJJ, see what Wilcox, Bradley, and Moore can do and get ready for the summer hoping JGreen fully recovers and resigns and we get a top 10 player to sign and a 2nd tier as well to run with RR, JG, JJJ and whomever else can fit the bill. A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush—in other words if there’s a deal which seriously gives us a solid chance to make the run, do it. As currently constructed, we aint’ going nowhere. That’s why RR may be traded not because he’s no good but because he brings back the pieces which give us #18. In a weird season like this one, as HST used to say, when the going gets weird the weird turn pro—which to me means when the going gets tough you make the big move and go all in. aloha
bigislandbob - February 13, 2012
Rebound totals are kinda suspect
Comparing them between teams and eras is like apples and oranges.
Among many other differences, the 85-86 team played at a higher pace, 101.2 possessions per game. The current team plays at just 88.5 possessions per game – a big reason for that is the press coverage we’ve been using on defense, causing opposing teams to use up a lot of shot clock advancing the ball. Neither pace is inherently ‘better’, but it should be noted that most Celtic teams that have made it to the finals have played with a slower pace.
At any rate, the difference in pace alone – 13 possessions on each end of the court – results in a big difference in counting stats. Another big factor is your opponent’s miss rate. If they don’t miss, you don’t get a chance to grab a rebound.
The net point is that counting rebound stats are not very useful for comparison.
A more useful metric for comparison is DRB% which measures how well you grabbed rebounds from the chances that you got. But even there, you have to look carefully before drawing too casual of a conclusion.
The 85-86 Celtics were the best defensive rebounding team that year, grabbing 71.7% of defensive rebound chances.
This current Celtics team is ‘only’ ranked 22nd in DRB% this year … but are actually grabbing 72.8% – higher than the 85-86 team.
Food for thought.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012
Individual statistics are very misleading too
People who did not see Bird play, might not realize what a great rebounder he was. Even tho his numbers were very , very good, they don’t really tell the tale because:
1. Bird seldom played fourth quarters against weak or mediocre teams, since the C’s were usually so far ahead they didn’t need him.
2. Bird didn’t get any of the ‘el cheapo’ stat pushing uncontested rebounds….since he was always way back on defense when the ops were shooting free throws.
Dipper - February 13, 2012
Chris Broussard rumored that Rondo is bothered by the trade rumors and being snubbed for All-Star 2012. And that Rondo was looking to put his house up for sale. Come March 1-15 who know’s what’s going to happen.
C'sFanfrmNy - February 13, 2012
Where...?
I havent seen any talk of rondo putting his house up for sale.. Yes people speculate he is upset about not being an all star and Broussard speculated that at half time and after the game. However so upset he was fonna sell his home? I doubt it unless he knows some agreed upon trade between GM’s that some how never got leaked. Which I highly doubt.
RR_The_Future - February 13, 2012 via mobile
I trust anything Broussard says about as much as the Used Car Salesman down the street.
You can guess how much that is.
C'sFan - February 13, 2012
+1
CB has 0 cred
vgarcia890 - February 13, 2012
Gary Washburn wrote that the AS snub was clearly bothering him.
And he wouldn’t write that without some pretty good sources.
clover - February 13, 2012
Who gives a damn what Chris Broussard says?
Tommypointz - February 13, 2012
Great great read. Couldn't agree with you more!
Actually, you sold me. Put the right pieces around Rondo and this team could be really fun to watch for many years to come. Potential, potential, potential. But, as I commented on another post, do the pieces fit well enough to make a run this year? Oh, well, I guess that’s for Danny to figure out.
Celticsdude - February 13, 2012
Bought. You convinced me… at least, for now, lol
Celticsdude - February 13, 2012
Who cares about fun; fun without rings = the Denver Nuggets or the GS Warriors or...
There’s a lot of fun teams to watch play—I mean come on, Purvis Short and those guys on the Nuggets, the old Warriors with Hardaway and Mullin and any number of talented teams over the years. What’s really run is having a team that is all in and makes a run to the finals and takes down the lakers by 39 in a deciding game 6. Now that’s fun and my standard for the Celtics. But hey that’s just me! I grew up watching Russell and his guys run people out of the gym; who said those frickin’ balloons are gonna be up there a loooong time. just saying…
bigislandbob - February 13, 2012
The thing is, a running team might be our best chance to win post big3
good half court offense requires either 1. a big who can post or 2. a shooter who’s good off the ball or 3. a scorer capable of bailing his team out. A good example is during our 07-08 championship run, during which we had all three. When the big 3 is gone, it would be quite very difficult to satisfy those requirements. Dwight Howard is the only true big in this league (and his post game is circumspect at best), and we apparently have a low chance of getting him. We could get a good shooter, but he’ll probably not be at RayRay’s level in his heyday (one of the reasons I hope we hang on to him. that old man can just play). And a scorer who can score at will don’t fall from trees. As building a great half-court offense will prove to be quite difficult, it might be a good idea to bring in personnel who can score in the fast break. Granted, defense and half-court offense can never be neglected, but when lacking in those areas one should look for other ways to compete
greysoul0614 - February 13, 2012
I don't mind keeping Rondo even though I'm in the you can't build around him camp
Even with the inconsistent play his contract is reasonable, and in theory Rondo will get better for the next couple of years. Also he can certainly contribute a lot toward a championship, even if I don’t think he should be the star or #1 option. Big men that can run like JJJ (a big time talent would be nice too) and a perimeter closer (PP for now, gonna need someone else soon tho) are both necessary. Jeff definitely nailed the problem with building around Rondo as the main guy. Teams that play up tempo don’t do so well in the postseason. Also what can Rondo do in the halfcourt of 4th quarter games when they copy the Lakers Rondo strategy? In the half court he has the big 3 who are all among the best shooters or the best shooter at their positions. Yet there are still problems with spacing because of the sagging off.
kg2128 - February 13, 2012
+1
Celticsdude - February 13, 2012
I think that with Rondo this team will be fun to watch
Like the Nuggets, but I’m just not sold on the idea we can win a championship by building around him. And I think we can all agree that, as the team stands right now, we are “pretenders” at this point. Again, I watch every game and always cheer for this team to win, but that’s just how I see it. It helps decrease my stress.
Celticsdude - February 13, 2012
Sorry, I don’t actually think we all agree on that. That’s just me.
Celticsdude - February 13, 2012
If Rondo plays like the way he did against the Bulls.
Then they are contenders.
Now, if we see re-hashes of the Lakers game (tentative, not getting to the line, not taking the open 15 fter from the shoulder) then, no, I’d say you’re right.
When that Rondo is on the floor, the Celtics are a very beatable team, easily exploited by packing the defense in and take away space/passing angles.
We’ve been saying it all along, and in fact Pierce said it himself, “Without Rondo, we’re a very good team. With Rondo, we’re a contender.”
There’s complete truth in that, if we see the Rondo we saw against Chicago on a consistent basis through the playoffs, I fully believe this team can beat anyone. Anyone.
C'sFan - February 13, 2012
Rondo is an “ahtiste”
How long did it take Pierce to mature?
No one is better to help him be consistent than another point guard – Doc.
Maybe I’m a little bit of a sadist, but Rondo getting knocked around a little will emphasize his need to “brang it” everyday he makes $10,000 of dollars an hour to deliver consistency.
johnnymost - February 13, 2012
Healthy bigs to run with Rondo
First great article. I truly believe Rondo’s “slumps” and “moodiness” can be (somewhat) attributed to his being out of place on this team of aging non-runners. As each year passes, it becomes more noticeable that our offense requires the fast break to produce points and that Rondo is a one man fast break on a team where the other starting 4 simply cannot keep pace.
Yesterday: enter the young legs. For all their faults, JJ and Wilcox RAN the floor with Rondo. Those fresh young healthy legs made Rondo’s flaws much less evident. There’s a synergistic effect when a fast point guard has fast bigs to run with him. They feed off of each other, making each other better. And as they outrun the opposition, as they did to Chicago yesterday, it becomes a dagger in the hearts of the opposing team.
As I said yesterday, Rondo is not a leader (yet and maybe not ever). He’s a catalyst that’s hard to define and as perplexing as he is talented. He needs the leadership of the big three around him, yet he needs some young legs to run with him.
All the talk of trading him really boils down to whether or not you believe Rondo has peaked, that his lows will always be as often as his highs. But it’s hard to argue with a guy who came out and while still gambling and making some unnecessary turnovers, dropped a thirty point triple double.
Rondo’s is what’s the best about us and he’s what’s the worst. But I think we’d see a lot more of Rondo’s highs if he had a steady running partner. We’re not going to beat the elite teams playing our stagnant half-court offense any more, not without a reliable low-post option. For me, the center position remains our weakest link. We need one who can rebound and score. When Rondo is among the leaders in rebounds on any given night, it tells me our center is lacking. And for me, that’s really the position to upgrade if we think we’re going to go further this year. Is it worth trading Rondo to get that center? Who knows?
CelticsFan616 - February 13, 2012
Running and gunning teams do not win Championships...
.. they sure make for entertaining regular season games but in the post season, the 4th quarters will tend to look like that LA Thursday game. Will you keep Rondo in there or bring in a backup PG who can shoot like E’Twaun Moore to close the game (kinda like 2008 with Eddie House?) It would take a lot of creativeness by Doc to mask his flaws during playoffs because every coach and player in the NBA has caught up to the “sag off of Rondo and dare him to shoot” thing. That player will go and double on either Ray or PP or just help clog the lanes…(Kobe). Rondo might hit a few jumpers but he won’t win the games for us.
It’s dilemna but I will support whatever decisions Doc & Danny end up making about the Rondo issue.
missyP - February 13, 2012
good post
Moore needs to be on the floor more at end of games. RR is flawed. In addition to this the players only know a condensed set of plays anyway to help the new guys. This used to be to RR’s advantage but I don’t think it matters anymore. I see more improvising these days than actually running plays.
BTW, Ray looks real slow. Either he can’t get free from being slow or guys aren’t setting good picks
vgarcia890 - February 13, 2012
you can keep Rondo on the floor at the end of games
but you have to run the offense through Pierce. Enough of this Rondo sitting at the top of the key and waiting for Ray to run through 5 screens!! I think that this is really the problem with RR – he’s no good at the end of a tight game… he just starts to play way too conservatively.
When there’s 6 minutes left in the game, you give the ball to Pierce and run the offense through him. Pierce is a 4th quarter talent and I don’t see how you can’t be playing to that talent. Let Rondo copy Avery Bradley and just make sneaky cuts to the basket in case Pierce can find him.
milt palacio's shot - February 13, 2012
Nice article, Jeff
Rondo is definitely the most simultaneously exciting and frustrating player I’ve ever rooted for.
I have no idea who he is or what he’s thinking from what night to the next. Sometimes I am disgusted by his play, and he is my favorite player.
Sometimes I think he, and the Celtics, need a change. Sometimes it hurts to even imagine him lighting it up for another team.
It is easy for me to (amateurishly) evaluate and quantify players in my own amateurish way. Yet after this many years, I still have no idea what is going on with Rondo.
KGHurtYourFeelings - February 13, 2012
I agree completely... but I 've concluded this: he's not a closer ... plain and simple
he just plays too cautious at the end of games… he’s at his best when he’s wild and care free for the first 42 minutes.
That’s why he can hit elbow jumpers all game long… until the last 6 minutes. Solution: run the offense through PP in the final 6 minutes of close games (see above).
milt palacio's shot - February 13, 2012
evidence A: the back to back ridiculous turnovers when chicago trapped Rondo at the end of last game
What was that?!? He just picked up his dribble 15 feet from half court and throws a lazy telegraphed pass to a confused Chris Wilcox? He was just absolutely sleeping.
milt palacio's shot - February 13, 2012
It's funny
though it’s not really related to much to the article, how only with Celtics fans will you find people who are clamoring to trade someone who can put up a 32-15-10 game because “his value is high.”
Still, I’d want Rondo on this team even after the big 3. He’s a gifted player, and no one can deny that.
Besides, I think we’re all going to have nightmares if ever Rondo gets traded and we see him putting up triple-doubles for other teams like it’s nobody’s business. LOL
paolost - February 13, 2012
Great Article
My opinion is Rondo isn’t held back at all, if 30 /15 /10 is being held back then Jordan may as well just step aside once he isn’t held back. I don’t think he’s held back at all, maybe he holds himself back but that’s it. He needs to stay coachable and focus on winning the games.
p-peazy - February 13, 2012
The Real Enigma: Rondo's Shot
Exactly. Imagine how different our half court offense could look if Rondo developed some confidence in his jumper. What’s keeping him back? For such a smart guy it seems like improving his outside shot would be an off season priority for him. He doesn’t need to be Ray Allen. He just needs to hit ’em every so often and show that a team that plays off him will pay.
(I’ll confess: at the start of every season for the past few years, I’ve fantasized that this was was the summer he spent working on his jumper and this season it will start to fall.)
GreenInNYC - February 13, 2012
It is falling.
He’s actually shooting a decent % there this year. We’ve seen flashes of aggressiveness with him shooting that shot (Miami early in the year, Chicago last night) and he’s hitting it at a respectable clip.
Which is what makes the games like LA absolutely mind-numbing infuriating. Kobe is standing there, begging Rondo to shoo it, and Rondo just plays right into their hands. When he does shoot it, it’s tentative with no rhythm, when he does, he wastes time on the shot clock the Celtics force a shot.
We know he can do it, we saw it last night, so why do games like LA keep happening?
C'sFan - February 13, 2012
I agree with all the really positive things said about RR's talents....
but if he’s only gonnah bring it on nights when he feels like it, trade him.
Dipper - February 13, 2012
Take a look at this article
http://www.csnne.com/blog/standing-room-only/post/Making-sense-of-Rondo?blockID=650296&feedID=9961&awid=5431769084783925828-932
Very good and very true about rondo. It’s all speculation but it makes A LOT of sense. I couldn’t agree more with the article.
RR_The_Future - February 13, 2012 via mobile
jeff
You just made a lot of celtics fans angry.. you chose to defend rondo this year? Even though it was a half defense, half he is what he is. All the “all knowing fans” will be mad.. you don’t agree with them when they say let’s trade him for a parking spot, a bag of POP corn and 1 2030 second round pick?
I 1000k times agree, THIS offense and at times TEAM helps as much as it hurts rondo and his overall game. He is a run and i’ll find you PG. playing along side of walk it up and take our time players. If they are able to surround him with shooters that can also run with him, I think it would be fun to watch and could add up some quality wins. Look at what Wilcox has brought to the team, he out ran boozer Sunday and got easy baskets. When is the last time we said that about the celtics Center. Run. Play D. Surround rondo with shooters is the direction that ainge wants. And the direction of the league.
jdunn123 - February 13, 2012
I actually made same analogy last night (square peg/round hole)
And was going to post something on the forums about it today. But low & behold, Jeff beat me to it lol.
I agree with this article completely. So much has been made of the Big 3 helping Rondo’s game so much, not a lot of attention gets focused on how they could be holding him back. In fact, I sometimes wonder if he finds success in spite of them instead of because of them. Not to say the Big 3 aren’t valuable, because they clearly are but its hard to ignore the different playing styles.
I’ve gotten used to seeing Rondo run the fast break all by his lonesome and have to pull up because the other starters aren’t even across half court yet. Last night was such a welcome sight – seeing Wilcox and JJJ running with him and finishing strong. That’s the kind of teammates Rondo really needs. Whether its in Boston or somewhere else, I hope he gets that before he’s past his prime.
But man, I hope its Boston.
RJ87 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
rondo is the most interesting and intriguing player on the c’s since bird. bird was consistent,tho and rondo’s not. you go from the lows of the toronto game to the highs of the bulls game. he is a great player. i want to keep him- but he is a major head case. which rondo shows up? i sure will not speculate on what does or doesn’t float his boat, but i do feel some empathy for doc who has to figure him out and try to motivate him. and doc signed on for 5 years so he knew what he was in for- unless he was hoping for the chris paul deal.
nazzbo - February 13, 2012
Rondo trade talk
The people who would consider trading Rondo for less than an MVP candidate crazy. Since it won’t happen, they should just give that up. He’s under a favorable contract, and will only improve with his jumpshot. As it stands, he’s a 16 foot jumper away from an unguardable high-low and widened driving lanes.
Will he ever be an MVP candidate? Probably not. Does he have the ever-burning desire to crush souls, ALL THE TIME, like Larry Bird? Is that really where we’re setting the bar?
That said, he’s absolutely worth building a team around. He has a unique skill set that, if paired with the right max-contract teammate, could be accentuated to another level. Not sure why so many people on this board think you have to build a team around a single player rather than a synergistic tandem.
On his temperament: There’s a certain type of person that needs their ego stroked to perform their best at their jobs. Ya, that can be annoying, but it’s not very hard to do.
I don’t understand why Ainge feels the need to say the things he does, publicly. There’s no reason for him to say one of his player’s names, unless it’s in a positive light. LIE Danny! If lying isn’t in his constitution, he shouldn’t be running things.
Tommypointz - February 13, 2012
This. This, this, this.
I don’t get the whole “you can’t build around Rondo” talk. One players does not = championship contender. The way the league is, you need a.) 2 or more all-star caliber (Miami, OKC, etc) or b.) good players & a crazy amount of depth (Denver, Philly, etc.) and even then it’s a crapshoot.
I’m a Rondo supporter, but I’m realistic enough to understand we will need more than just him to remain relevant in the future. With that said, Rondo can definitely be a building block for the future.
RJ87 - February 13, 2012
Ditto.
repeated for emphasis.
mmmmm - February 13, 2012
+1
Didn’t work out too great building a team around PP, and he was pretty darn good pre-big 3.
sswallow - February 13, 2012
growing up under the big 3 was fantastic for Rondo's development
but they’re probably holding him back from reaching his potential now. people who are saying that run-and-gun teams don’t win championships – a team full of high-flyers and shooters don’t have to be poor defenders.
mc34 - February 13, 2012
Rondo's Supposed Character Flaws
Alot is said about Rondo being perturbed by trade talk, he felt snubbed by being left off the All-Star team. He’s selling his house, etc. He’s moody and doesn’t always come to play.
Pierce hasn’t played really well the past 3 games, but no one is talking about his flaws.
When Rondo is interviewed by Jackie MacMullen and tells her the facts as he sees them then I’ll pay attention.
By the way, is anyone planning to sell his house this spring or summer, when it’s a good time to sell to move to another home, maybe on the next street? What has this got to do with Rondo and basketball.
TrueGreen - February 13, 2012
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