Rajon Rondo's Lack of Perimeter Scoring Will Not Be an Issue for Boston Celtics
It was a claim pegged as a major issue heading into the playoffs last season: an aged Celtics team was becoming more and more reliable on the talents of its young point guard.
As the playoffs grow closer, this weakness is likely to be questioned again. I am going to tell you why it is the least of Boston's concerns.
How often does Rondo really take jumpers anyway? A couple times a game?
The only time I can recall Rondo taking a vital mid-range shot for a chance at winning the game was against Memphis on March 23 (which he missed). Somebody give me some footage of this occurring on any other occasion.
Rondo knows his limitations. He knows that his jumper is the fatal flaw in his game and he knows not to let it beat him (hence, his unwillingness to take the open shot—leaving me screaming at the TV until he makes a righteous drop/swing/behind-the-back pass to an open Garnett/Allen/Pierce/Davis, which is instantly drained more often than not).
It is hard to argue that there is a better passer than Rondo. As good? Probably. But not better.
The best shooter of all-time (yes, I'm saying it), one of the most clutch players in the league and one of the greatest power forwards of all-time. Rondo has more than enough tools equating his skills into points. The need for a shot just isn't there like it will be a few years down the road.
Off the bench, it isn't just Big Baby working as a big man shooting threat anymore.
Nenad Krstic, although lacking physicality, is a much more capable ball-handler than Perkins.
Jeff Green could easily be the x-factor for the Celtics come playoff time and stands to log some important minutes, particularly against smaller lineups.
With Rondo likely logging a few more minutes during the playoffs than the big three, Green, Davis and Delonte West will make up the most vital pieces of Rondo's off-bench support.
The bottom line is that there are too many weapons for Rondo to utilize. The reliability of his passing skills are much more important than his shot.
In terms of problem areas, there are much more important things to worry about.
The Celtics are in the midst of one of their classic slumps, making SportsCenter headlines to the tune of: What is wrong with the Celtics?
As I reply to friend's remarks with something like, “This happens every yearrrrrr. I'm not worried,” I can't help but have slight concern over watching Derrick Rose go superhuman every night.
Yes, the Bulls are good. Very good. Better than they have been in years. But the multiple improvements (our assistant coach turned head coach, Rose's game, Boozer, the supporting cast) are not what's making me worry most about Chicago. It is the Celtics.
9-6 since the trade, the Celtics have yet to hit their stride with the new players. What bothers me most is not having seen this group of players perform with the kind of solidity that the previous pieces showed me so many times.
It is more a case of “seeing is believing” than it is a belief that the Celtics don't have it this year.
Three things I am relying upon heading into the playoffs:
The return of Shaq.
The return of Shaq.
The return of Shaq.
This is the position that the Celtics have put themselves in (correctly, may I add).
For so many reasons, Shaq is an essential piece to the squad without Kendrick Perkins. Shaq is the physical body for the Celtics should they need a boost in rebounding against the Bulls, a stopper against Dwight Howard (should Boston meet Orlando) or a big body to clog the lane against the Heat.
These constant “probably next week” remarks by Doc Rivers and the Celtics staff have brought a sense of relief...until it doesn't happen (and reports of a recent Cortisone shot definitely hasn't helped).
All I want to know is that Shaq will be back for the postseason.
Right now, the Celtics are doing exactly what they should be doing. There is no need for Shaq to play in any regular season games (other than to appease my concerns...). Shaq was brought in for the playoffs and I have little doubt that he won't be ready to go.
Moreover, there is no need to give the big three the kind of minutes they will see in the playoffs for the sole purpose of securing a #1 seed. The Celtics will undoubtedly be cautious down the stretch, resting any player(s) necessary.
What should be a weak first-round match-up should give the Celtics all the time they need to get a different, but more talented team, back in a familiar groove.
