Rondo Can Shoot (When He's Open)

by Jeff Clark on Nov 16, 2007 5:58 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

Rondo - the same player who was in such drastic need of a jump shot to complete his game last season - is shooting 52.6 percent (30-for-57) from the field after seven games.
Considering he shot 41.8 percent as a rookie, there may not be another player who is a better example of the New Three’s peripheral effect.
"Playing with these guys, I’m getting wide-open looks," he said. "Wide-open shots. With them on the floor, I don’t have to worry about finding good shots."

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i’d be curious to see if there’s a breakdown out there anywhere – ie around the basket, midrange, deep jumpshots etc. so far so good, as he shot worse on drives last year (if im recalling correctly) than he’s shooting overall this year. of course it’s waaaaay too soon to come to any conclusions – he easily could just be riding a hot streak. just like the c’s! can you believe this espn crap comparing them to the 97 bulls – they’ve got to be trying for the jinx! no other explanation.

it’s also worth mentioning that even when shooting a good percentage if you’re only willing to take the most open of shots you’re hurting yr team by letting the d pretty much ignore you – see: brian scalabrine. of course rondo does lots of other things besides shoot.

by NBAspaceLAZER3000 on Nov 16, 2007 8:10 AM EST reply actions

That isn’t even the half of it, Jeff. Rondo is shooting a higher percentage on his jump shots (.543 on 13 of 24 shooting) than he is on his layups and close shots (.515). The main reason that his FG% is so low on those is that he is finding a way to get a third of those blocked up to this point of the season. Once he starts to keep his dribble a little longer, and get those shot blockers to commit before he does, his FG% insid should go up markedly.

I don’t expect him to hit over 50% on his two point jumpers. No one does anyways. Hitting over 40% on those is good jump shooting. The thing is that Rajon is showing that he is capable of canning them. 60% plus on inside shots and 40% plus on jumpers is a recipe for success and one that I think is well within Rondo’s grasp, especially with GPA out there with him.

by MikeDfromNP on Nov 16, 2007 8:51 AM EST reply actions

mike where u find this info plz

by NBAspaceLAZER3000 on Nov 16, 2007 10:08 AM EST reply actions

Mike, I think it’s time for one of your long thoughful pieces on Rondo. Well maybe not quite yet but the time is coming! I love Mr. Rondo’s game quite a bit as well and it’s always a pleasure to read your breakdowns. I am a believer!

by alchemist on Nov 16, 2007 11:41 AM EST reply actions

Lazer, go to NBA.com, go the stats tab and click hotzones. Select the Celtics, Rondo, and his 2007-2008 season stats and you will see that he is doing quite well on his jumpers.

Thanks, Alchemist. I’ll cook one up soon, but I thought that I’d give the season some time to play out. I’m expecting Rondo to break out soon. He is already showing the signs that he will.

by MikeDfromNP on Nov 16, 2007 11:48 AM EST reply actions