With the NBA trade deadline right
around the corner, the Celtics organization is taking a very serious approach
regarding the utilization of the talent and leadership capability of Rajon Rondo
for the future of the team. And, with rumors around the league implying that
the Celtics are debating whether to move point guard Rajon Rondo to another
team or not, Celtics fans must be asking themselves if Rondo has what it takes
to be the new leader and face of the Celtics franchise.
To address this matter, we have
to remember that the NBA, like any other professional sport is a business, and
team owners have to make decisions -in what they believe- will best benefit their
teams. One of the first interrogations that owners need to figure out is
Rondo’s preparedness to step up and take over the leadership and star role over Paul Pierce
in the Boston Celtics in the near future.
There are positive and negative sides
about this matter. On the positive side, Rondo has recorded some important triple-doubles for the Celtics. Also, he has proven to be tough to put
out when it comes to injuries; a very good point guard when surrounded by great
players like Garnett, Allen and Pierce; and is familiar with Doc Rivers’ coaching
style, system and philosophy. But how much longer will Doc be the Celtics coach
for? Let’s keep in mind that last year he said he wanted to retire, which is why
he signed a one-year contract for this season.
On the negative side, Rondo
has shown to be a very inconsistent scorer, even though point guards do
not have the obligation to be great scorers. But the thing is that he has been
six years in the league now and does not seem to have a spot where he rarely
misses from (i.e. Garnett’s typical solid mid-range shot beyond 14-feet away
from the basket), and even from the free throw line he scorers 62 percent of
the times. So basically, Rondo is a great passer, but a poor shooter, which
makes him very predictable. Is that what we really want?
In addition to it, unfortunately for the Celtics, the big three is not getting any younger. As a matter of fact, they all are at the end of their great careers, and are not as effective as they were back in 2008 when they won their last Championship. This factor adds up even more pressure on Rondo's productivity, as the team depends and expects more from him on the court.
In addition to it, unfortunately for the Celtics, the big three is not getting any younger. As a matter of fact, they all are at the end of their great careers, and are not as effective as they were back in 2008 when they won their last Championship. This factor adds up even more pressure on Rondo's productivity, as the team depends and expects more from him on the court.
In my opinion, Rondo’s
characteristics would be acceptable if he played for an average team, but when
you play for a team which goal is always to be a title contender, you need
someone who does more than to record triple-doubles from time to time. You need someone more consistent, dynamic and versatile at the point guard position. I mean, when
Rondo takes mid-range shots, the opponent team does not even cover him close -most
of the time- because chances are that he will miss the shot, which he usually
does. And that allows the opponent team to double team the Celtics’ hottest player
on the court at that particular moment, so it ends up being a disadvantage for
the Celtics.
I like Rondo and I think he is a
great athlete. The fact that he was talented enough to choose among varsity basketball,
baseball and football when going to college, speaks for itself. But I believe
he is the basketball version of Mark Sanchez in football. A good quarterback
who has gone as far as he has gone in the NFL mostly because of the super star
teammates he is surrounded by, but does not have what it takes to carry the team
on his shoulders… especially when the team needs him the most.
If the Celtics’ goal is actually “all
about (Championship) number 18”, they need to start thinking objectively and
realistically to comprehend that with the way the Heat and the Bulls are playing
this season, it is hard to believe that the Celtics do have a chance for one
last run with Rondo and the big three this year. Also, they need to realize that they already
have a couple of good pieces to rebuild the team, such as Bass, Pietrus and whoever they get for Rondo; and
to understand that it may take a while before they celebrate another Championship
at the TD Garden.
But if it were in your power to
dictate what to do with Rondo this season and the future of the Celtics’
organization, what would you do? Would you trade Rondo for an experienced power
forward/center like Gasol? who would probably give you up to five years of good basketball
before he gets too old for the game. Would you trade Rondo to the Nets for
point guard Deron Williams? who would definitely improve the offense of the team. Or, would you keep Rondo as a Celtic and rebuild your
franchise around him?
I just hope I am wrong on this matter.
And, with any luck, the Celtics will have a great run in the playoffs, and who
knows? Maybe bring Championship number 18 home!!! But if it does not happen, remember
that patience is the key to succeed in life sometimes, and this may simply be
one of those times.
- KONY 2012
 |
| Rajon Rondo. Picture from nbajerseys4sale.com |
Nice job, Diego! I'd trade him though.
ReplyDelete