'This Is Rajon's Team'

by Jeff Clark on Mar 4, 2008 5:23 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

I would like to interrupt the constant stream of Cassell news and updates to focus on the guy who still holds the keys to this team. (via Bulpett)

Meanwhile, Rivers made it a point to say the free agent signing is not a statement on Rajon Rondo.
"No," Rivers said. "This is Rajon’s team. That’s not going to change. He’s the point guard of this team. He’s going to remain the point guard of this team. We just want to have backup.
While it’s true that Cassell could usurp some of Rondo’s minutes in crunch time as the Celts take advantage of his steady hand and experience, Rivers appreciates what Rondo has done in guiding the club to the best record in the NBA. In addition, he has seen the improvements the 22-year-old has made as this season has advanced.
"And he’s just going to keep getting better," Rivers said. "His biggest step is going to come later, though. As great as he’s been, he’s going to get another test. Rajon’s never going to stop getting tested. That’s what we always talk about.
"In the playoffs, they’re going to really force him - I mean really force him - to beat you. They’re doing it a little bit now. They do it more in the fourth quarters, but they don’t do it for a game. In the playoffs, it’s going to be for the game, the whole game. That’s where he’s just going to have to keep understanding that he has to get shots that the team needs, not the shots that they’re giving him. That’s going to be tough for him, but he’ll be fine because he just keeps getting better at it."

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Comments

rondo is the man. needs to practice his free throws more. seems to have a nice stroke. kidd stinks from the field but seems to have the knack at the line. rondo has to know when to penentrate and dish. also, i would like to see his teammates get up the floor quicker. often rondo ends up alone on a break.

by nazzbo on Mar 4, 2008 7:38 AM EST reply actions

I give Doc credit. Rajon’s been as welcoming of Sam’s coming here as anyone, but Doc has nipped in the bud any ideas of Sam’s winning a starter role or Rajon being threatened.

I really think Danny is right that Doc is uncommonly good at dealing with different personalities in different situations.

by clover on Mar 4, 2008 8:09 AM EST reply actions

Proof is in the pudding

by Master Po on Mar 4, 2008 9:19 AM EST reply actions

Master Po said:
Proof is in the pudding

Nope, it’s in the POdding.

by TrueGreen on Mar 4, 2008 9:34 AM EST reply actions

This team will be fine… Cassell just added an element (ego/arrogance) on this team and I think the rest of the players…. Rondo specifically will feed off from.

It’s about winning and having the right combinations on the floor when it matters and those players are executing.

Cassell is another option on the floor teams will have to deal with other than Garnett, Pierce, and Allen.

I love cocky players who bring it game in and game out. There’s and aura about them and it leads on the floor.

If anything Rondo will see this and grow from within. Trust me you can learn alot from watching as well being on the court playing.

The only Negative I see is if Garnett gets too carried away with having Cassell on the team and he relies on him.

There will be a feeling out process with Cassell and Brown. But it solidifies our chances in advancing into the playoffs much further.

The only team I worry about is Detriot.

by Ancient Red on Mar 4, 2008 9:34 AM EST reply actions

Ancient Red— The only Negative I see is if Garnett gets too carried away with having Cassell on the team and he relies on him.

I don’t see this as a problem. KG is too smart and too much into the TEAM. I see Brown and Cassell playing spot roles and don’t think they’ll make a major change in the way the team plays. They’ll be used to rest players and maybe take advantage of some matchups. They are mainly insurance. If Cassell affects the chemistry of the team he just won’t play. I think the guys who will be affected are Pruitt, Pollard and mostly Scals—they’ll be on the inactive list. Scals will be most affected. The affect on Pruitt and Pollard are minimal as they don’t play anyway and I think it’s fairly well determined that Pollard won’t be able to play because of physical problems.

by TrueGreen on Mar 4, 2008 9:55 AM EST reply actions

I wish the best Rondo, but he if the Celtics want to beat the Pistons, he is not going to get it done. There is just no way he can guard Chauncey, and that one offensive output he had against him in Boston will never happen in the playoffs. Is Cassell the answer? I’m not so sure, but they have to try something.

Uzo
www.TheSportsWatchers.com

by The Sports Watcher on Mar 4, 2008 10:25 AM EST reply actions