I've been meaning to write this article since Rajon Rondo put on quite the display as the Celtics' floor general during the regular season. I'll be the first to admit that when Rondo decided to forgo his final two seasons at Kentucky, I thought it would turn out disastrous.
R-squared dropped 11 points a game as a sophomore, and Boston apparently thought highly enough of him to take him with the 21st pick in the 2006 first round, which it officially acquired from Phoenix after the draft. At 6-1, 170 pounds, and with no real ability to hit the 3-point jumper consistently, I couldn't foresee a legit NBA future for Rondo.
But to his credit, he put up 10.6 points per game on a team that relies on its "Big Three" to score the vast majority of its points. Additionally, Rondo dropped 5.1 assists per contest, showing he was capable of starting in the league.
In fact, if Rondo can get his 3-point jumper to fall even 35 percent of the time, up from his 26.3 percent clip this season, there is no reason why he can't drop 15 on most nights, and flirt with 20-25 points on any given night.
What the Celtics have also benefited from is that Rondo averages under two turnovers a game, showing that he is clearly taking care of the ball and making smart decisions.
More importantly, however, for the winningest franchise in NBA history, is that Rondo is producing in the playoffs. He has averaged 11.4 points and 6.1 dimes. Not to mention Rondo had perhaps the best game of his career Wednesday night in Game Five. Alongside Garnett's sickening numbers, Rondo lit up the Cavs for 20 points and 13 assists.
I never thought I would say this, but Rajon Rondo has arrived. He has validated his position with clutch performances in the playoffs. From a small, do-almost-nothing guard at Kentucky to a fearless competitor, Rondo has learned what it takes to not only make the league, but excel in it.
Mad ups to you, Rajon, because I truly never thought it would happen.
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2 months ago
Rondo also averaged 6.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game in his sophomore season at Kentucky, playing great defense and averaging 2.3 steals per game in his career as a Wildcat.
He also shot 49.6 percent from the field in his college career, and, if you watch video of his games, you'd know he wasn't a "do-almost-nothing" guard. Scoring average and 3-point ability doesn't mean a whole lot for non-wing players as long as they can hit open mid-range shots.
Good stuff otherwise, but I think your original doubts were just based on points per game and height (which he makes up for with wingspan). Don't be too surprised -- he's good.
2 months ago
http://youtube.com/watch?v=scXHr58aRJE
Does this look like a "do-almost-nothing" guard?
2 months ago
Good stuff. I think that the Celtics definitely made a good decision trading Sebastien Telfair instead of Rajon to the Timeberwolves. I think he has the potential to be a lock-down defender in this League and his offensive game will only continue to improve.
2 months ago
I have been pleasantly surprised with Rondo, although I'm not sure how great of a PG he is. He plays with too much talent to not rack up more assists.
Telfair might still develop into a good PG, as he averaged 6 assists playing for the terrible, so they could regret that choice, but I also think Rondo produces offense that compliments good perimeter shooters like Allen, Pierce, House, Posey, etc.
All in all, Rondo's still growing, and takes it to the whole as well as any PG in the league.
Great article Ben I totally agree. I never thought I'd say it but I think he arrived.
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