The Rondo-KG Alley-Oop

by Jeff Clark on Dec 4, 2008 9:07 AM EST in Articles Comment 18 comments

Rondokg_medium

Rondo is at the top of the key, head on a swivel, surveying the options and watching the cutters and screeners execute the play. Garnett is doing the big man dance; first looking for position on the block, then hedging out towards his favorite jumpshot spot, then just as his defender has been lulled to sleep, BOOM, he spins and cuts baseline. Lob, catch, dunk. You just got Rondo'd with a side of Ticket.

There is nothing not to like about the alley-oop. It is a pretty play. It is a high percentage play when done right. It is a play that promotes teamwork.

I'll even take it one step further. It is a play that happens only when two players (or perhaps a point guard and several players) are so in tune that they don't even need a play called or words exchanged. They just both see the play developing and react as one. Like a quarterback and reciever, they couldn't tell you how they know when to make the play, they just know.

Perhaps I'm overreacting a bit to the 3 alley oops from last night's game, but I have seen the play happen more and more recently and I'm excited about it. Not just for the aesthetic value, but for the weapon it can be in this offense.

Garnett is getting older but he hasn't stopped putting forth all his energy on defense. Still, something has to give, and at times that means he becomes more of a jump shooter than a low post banger. We could discuss that more at length in another article, but for now lets just take it as a given that he likes that jumper (which to be fair is very effective).

The alley-oop just seems like an ideal way to get KG more high percentage shots in the paint without forcing him to bang with the big boys too often. He's long enough and athletic enough that he can get to any lobbed ball Randy Moss style. When he has an accurate passer like Rondo picking the right spots, it becomes even more effective.

Look at what Nash has been able to do with Stoudamire and others. Look at how Chris Paul has elevated Tyson Chandler's game with the alley-oop. It is a weapon and if used properly it can help space out the floor as effectively as a good back to the basket post game. It isn't something you would run every play like the Jazz run the pick and roll but it is just one more thing for the defense to worry about.

I really look forward to seeing more of it as the year progresses. It is a clear testament to how comfortable Rondo is becoming as a floor general. It is an immediate reward for two teammates working together (assist and points). And it is flat out fun to watch.

More please!

0 recs | Comment 18 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

For the regular season, I’m more than fine with Garnett’s play. But in the playoffs (and somehow I’m expecting the Celtics will sneak into them), I’m hoping we’ll see a bit more low post play by Garnett – as he did in last year’s playoffs.

by no kidding on Dec 4, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me or did he spend more time in the post last regular season than he did last years playoffs?
…although this year it certainly seems like KG is saving his energy much better for the stretch run

by thecaptain34 on Dec 4, 2008 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish I knew for certain myself.

Cap34, I’m hoping my memory’s more accurate than yours, though I certainly don’t have any data to support it.

As I recall, Garnett didn’t spend any more time in the post during last year’s regular season than he does now. However, it’s my impression that he started going in there more during the playoff’s. And that makes sense to me. Avoid the wear and tear on that slender body during the regular season, but then take the shots during money time.

by no kidding on Dec 4, 2008 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you’re right about KG spending more time in the post during last year’s regular season versus the playoffs.

by Who on Dec 5, 2008 7:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Total agreeance

It will become a staple of C’s offense. Just another weapon.

Tony Allen > Dearly departed JP

by Birdbrain on Dec 4, 2008 9:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Favorite Plays

1. Fist – the PP low block seal play with the over the top pass from Perk/KG
2. This new alley oop non-play
3. Elbow – high screen for PP who has the option of a FT jumpshot or pass to a corner darting Ray who is also the recipient of a high screen.

When Perk was asked what he thought of Howard winning the gold medal this summer, he responded: "What’s his impression of me after I won a ring?"

by Green17 on Dec 4, 2008 10:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

When it happened

I specifically remember a play during the Hawks game (Pierce’s last second shot) when I saw the following take place.

There was a 2 on 2 break with Rondo in the middle and KG to his left. Rondo, thinking there were no numbers and no high percentage play (even though the play was to throw the ball up to KG), pulled the ball out to start up a set play.

The Celtics ended up scoring and the Hawks called time out. On the way to the bench you could clearly see KG encouraging Rondo, telling him to just throw the ball up to him and giving him that patented back of the head slap/push thing he always does.

A few plays later, Rondo through that alley opp that KG threw down over Randolph Morris and got fouled. KG, gave his usual “I’m a mad man stare” and then immediately went to Rondo and gave him a different type of head slap/push thing. More of a good f-ing job kind of thing.

Since that time I’ve seen the alley oop more times than I ever had seen it before. Just another example of how great this kid is at learning, not only from the coaching staff, but his teammates.

by pf139040 on Dec 4, 2008 10:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agree pf139040

I think it was KG that used the word “sponge” in regards to Rondo learning from the Big Three last year. But I will say one thing, specifically regarding alley oops…. it’s pretty easy to learn quick when a 14 year vet and one of the most freakishly long and athletic players of all time tells you to just throw the ball up.

Y’all should’ve seen some of the alley oops thrown to him in Minnesota…. they’d look to be heading into the 10th row or over the backboard and some how KG corralled em and threw it down.

by Big Ticket on Dec 4, 2008 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But that’s not really a reason to discredit his ability to use his teammates as a learning tool. How many point guards with his ability would just allow someone to tell him how to play?

I’d also argue that doing so that quickly (5 minutes later) is impressive turnaround time.

by pf139040 on Dec 4, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think when Bill Walker gets worked into our lineup eventually, we are going to see alot of alley oops from Raj to Bill. Alot. Ditto POB, once he figures out how to play good D.

by footey on Dec 4, 2008 10:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's it... I've had enough!!

Jeff…. promise me you’ll never again my TWO favorite Minnesota to Boston transplants in the same article… it’s just too painful.

by Big Ticket on Dec 4, 2008 10:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

oops

I forgot to mention that Paul Pierce is looking as locked in and clutch in the 4th quarter as Big Papi (former Twin) was in 2004

by Jeff Clark on Dec 4, 2008 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by the way

if anyone has the YouTube clip of any of the alley-oops, I’d love to attach them to this post

by Jeff Clark on Dec 4, 2008 10:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

his best pass last nite was the cross pass over everyone to ray in the corner for 3. dj and bird used the back cut pass fromm dj to bird 2-3 times a game for a layin and it worked endlessly. see no reason that the rr-kg alley oop can’t be the same.

by nazzbo on Dec 4, 2008 11:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rondo/KG Alley Oop

The Rondo/KG Alley Oop is an eye-contact play that has developed from the two playing together for awhile plus the improvement in Rondo’s development. This happens when you keep a roster intact. For those of you oldies out there Bird and Dennis Johnson had an eye contact play that was unbeatable. It wasn’t an alley oop because Bird couldn’t Oop. DJ was deep in the backcourt while Bird boxed out his man under the basket. DJ threw a 90 mph pass to Bird that just about knicked the ear of the defender and Bird easily put it in. They could do it anytime they wanted if the situation was right.

by TrueGreen on Dec 4, 2008 7:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

KG's Post-Game Comments On Rondo

KG’s description of three Rondo’s playing was hilarious. Does anyone have a video of this?

by TrueGreen on Dec 4, 2008 7:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Post game KG video

Celtic.com has section of videos and you will find KGs comments in the Post game wrap up vs. Pacers. It’s pretty funny.

by NoraG1 on Dec 4, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Only KG could explain it this way. P laughed some, but I thought KG’s comments would really crack him up. I get the feeling, from watching all these post game interviews with KG and P that they are really tired after a game. It shows on their faces and reactions. Anyone else feel the same? I doubt they like to do these interviews, but I don’t think they looked bored or “lets get this over with” look.

by TrueGreen on Dec 5, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs