Can Rajon Rondo Help Dallas Mavericks Turn the Corner on Defense?
The Dallas Mavericks' perimeter defense has been in shambles all season long. While Rajon Rondo is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, the Mavs traded for him hoping he would help the team on both ends of the floor.
Dallas' struggles to defend are no secret at this point. The team ranks 20th in the league in defensive efficiency while surrendering the second-highest opponent three-point percentage.
The Mavericks' rim protection has gotten significantly better this season, but their inability to stop dribble penetration and prevent open threes has proven to be the team's biggest downfall.
Serious title-contending teams generally need a solid offensive and defensive balance. Being below average in either category rarely leads to postseason success. This is where the Mavs are hoping that Rondo, a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team nominee, can provide a much-needed boost.
Two games into his career as a Maverick, Rondo, 28, has shown some mixed signs in that regard.
In Dallas' Dec. 20 99-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Rondo looked a lot like a guy who had earned plenty of defensive honors. He was drawing charges, bothering guys with his long arms and communicating well.
Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle opted to roll out a three-guard lineup down the stretch of that game, featuring Monta Ellis, Devin Harris and Rondo. When asked about playing with a small group, the former All-Star appeared genuinely enamored in a post-game video interview:
"I loved it. I did like it. In that type of lineup I always want to check the best offensive player. I tried to give Monta (Ellis) a rest because he was carrying us offensively and wanted to switch up on (Marco) Belinelli.
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Lineups featuring three guards are something Carlisle briefly experimented with early in the season, but the defensive trade-off wasn't worth the mobility and passing prowess those groups provided. Adding Rondo into the mix has prompted Carlisle to give it another shot.
In Harris and Rondo, Dallas has two good perimeter defenders, while also utilizing the explosiveness of Ellis on the other end. Jameer Nelson, who was sent to the Boston Celtics in the recent trade, really wasn't good enough defensively for the three-guard lineup to be a viable option.
In the past, Rondo has shown an ability to guard bigger guys, even in the post. If he can return to his former glory, going small will be an interesting tool in Carlisle's arsenal.
However, Dallas' 105-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday somewhat toned down the expectations of Rondo's defensive impact. Despite the accolades, his reputation as one of the best defenders in the league is a bit of an exaggeration. This is especially true since his return from a torn ACL.
Against the Hawks, Rondo had a lot of individual defensive errors a player of his caliber simply shouldn't commit.
Early in the first quarter, he overcommitted on a light double-team and didn't make much of an effort to return to his man when Atlanta's big man kicked the ball out. Just moments later, Rondo attempted a desperate reach for a steal on a Dennis Schroder drive rather than actually trying to stay in front of his man.
Schroder continued to burn Rondo during the rest of the evening, both on pick-and-rolls and just straight-up drives. Here are two examples:
On the first play, Rondo has his feet completely flat. He isn't in a defensive stance that would actually allow him to effectively move his feet and deter a drive. Obviously, Schroder is lightning-quick, but Rondo just appears to be rooted in place.
The following clip is even more bizarre. Rondo starts off by going under Paul Millsap's screen—the correct decision, considering that Schroder is not a threat from the three-point line—but then inexplicably bites on a little hesitation move and slams himself right into the pick.
Rondo did step up defensively as the Mavs were making a desperate push in the final few minutes of the game. He was very pesky, got up in his opponent's face and drew charges. He just didn't work as hard in the previous three periods.
At the very least, Rondo didn't make any excuses after the game, acknowledging the lapses in the pick-and-roll defense.
"Our pick-and-roll coverage can get a lot better," Rondo said, according to ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon. "It starts with me. I’m going to continue to build and learn from this game and get better."
It's silly to make hasty judgements on how Rondo will fit with the Mavs. His poor shooting might hurt the offense, but Dallas knew that when trading for him. Ultimately, he is an incredibly smart player and a great passer, and the team should learn how to adjust around Rondo's strengths and weaknesses.
Even if the Mavs were to drop down a little in terms of offensive efficiency, the biggest riddle is how much they can improve defensively with their newest acquisition, if at all.
Rondo might have lost a little step, but he still has the physical tools to be a very good defender. His effort has so far been inconsistent, and it could be a sign of some bad habits he developed in frustration while playing for a mediocre team.
As long as he can get rid of those tendencies and really focus on his effort, Dallas' defense could see a welcomed boost.
You can follow me on Twitter: @VytisLasaitis.
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