Rajon Rondo Injury: Updates on Kings Star's Back and Return

Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a back injury and won't be able to try to exact revenge against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, according to CSN California's James Ham. 

Continue for updates. 

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Rondo Battling Back Spasms

Tuesday, Jan. 5

According to the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones, head coach George Karl told reporters that Rondo's back flared up Monday evening and worsened overnight. 

And while the point guard's injury history includes a torn ACL, broken hand and facial fractures, his strong statistical season with the Kings hadn't been interrupted by an ailment until Tuesday.  

During his first year in California's capital, Rondo's averaging 12 points, a league-leading 11.5 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 45.9 percent from the field. 

Although Rondo has been labeled a bit of a pace killer over the years due to his restrictions as a shooter and some maddening over-dribbling tendencies, he brought a wealth of basketball knowledge to a young Kings team in need of guidance. 

"He’s a winner; he’s a competitor," head coach George Karl said on Sept. 29, per Jones. "He challenges you. He’s one of the most cerebral basketball guys I've ever spent time with in a short period of time that I’ve had."

Rondo's unique style and stellar instincts aren't easily replaced, but the Kings have capable backups at their disposal. Darren Collison is a seasoned ball-handler and creator who can keep the offense humming, and combo guard Seth Curry is able to supplement those offerings with on-and-off-the-ball scoring prowess.