Thank You Rajon Rondo

by Jeff Clark on Jul 24, 2008 5:22 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

I saved some of my favorites for last, and Rondo is certainly one of my favorites. Anyone who has read this blog for long knows that I have a great affinity for pass-first point guards that can play defense. Once upon a time I had great hope for Orien Greene and before that I really wanted to believe Marcus Banks was going to be the answer. Those are just two examples of a long line of points that didn't pan out in Boston.

Then along came Rajon Rondo. From his first summer league game, he was clearly better than Sebastian Telfair and had all the makings of a late first round steal. He's been slashing through the lane and setting up our shooters for open looks ever since. Every few months you can see real progress in his game, to the point where he has established himself as the 4^th best player on the team, and one of the most important when it comes to determining the outcome of each game.

When Rajon is on his game, there's simply no stopping this team. He has lightning quick speed that he uses in short bursts that keep the defenders on their heels. He is so important because when he's getting past his man, even if he doesn't make it to the basket, he's forcing the defense to shift their spacing, creating room for Celtic shooters. He has great vision and can deliver the ball to shooters in rhythm.

Most days he does not look out of place playing alongside 3 superstars. He just makes their jobs easier. And in the Celtics defensive system, he's a great disrupter. He pesters opponents before they can get the offense started and he comes up with more than his share of steals and deflections. I haven't even mentioned the jaw dropping blocks and rebounds that he seems to fly in from nowhere to get.

He's had his share of growing pains and bad days, but no more than any young player might have, in particular one playing point guard. Some teams will shade off him and dare him to shoot. But that only works for so long before the team adjusts and makes them pay. He's even developing that mid range shot little by little. In time I'm sure he'll be hitting that with regularity.

Two years in the league and Rondo is already the starting point guard on an NBA Championship team. He's got a great future ahead of him, and the present is pretty sweet too.

So thank you Rajon. You have been all that we could have hoped for and more.

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Danny said in his WEEI interview the other day, when the hosts asked about Rondo’s shooting, and whether or not it will improve, that the day after they won the championship Rondo was at Waltham practicing his shooting. He also mentioned what a tough year it was for him mentally as well with advice and comments coming from all directions. I think Danny kind of likes him. And we got him from Phoenix when they really needed a backup. I think they chose Marcus Banks instead. Good decision.

by TrueGreen on Jul 24, 2008 6:03 AM EDT reply actions

If Rajon develops a long jumper, he’ll be in the PG top 3 in the entire league.

by Amager Celtic Fan on Jul 24, 2008 6:03 AM EDT reply actions

This one seems pretty overdue.

w/o Rondo…no #17.

by mcpu40 on Jul 24, 2008 7:06 AM EDT reply actions

I agree, this is a bit overdue, but I got behind on these with all the Posey watch articles and stuff like that

by Jeff Clark on Jul 24, 2008 7:36 AM EDT reply actions

Rajon may not be a superstar, but im certainly confident he will make Walker, Giddens and Tony Allen better post the KG-PP era…this kid is that good i think he has it in his game to be a 16 pt/4 reb/ 8 asst kinda career.

by bopna on Jul 24, 2008 7:48 AM EDT reply actions

While some feel that Giddens and Walker have “world-class” athleticism, both are instead gifted with outstanding athleticism. The true test of “world-class” athleticism is a player who has that EXTRA gear that allows him to operate at “mach” speed when compared to other gifted athletes. Rajon Rondo seems to have these qualities (ref. Jo Jo White’s comments which suggest this). I’m wondering if Giddens will fare as well since his collegiate rebounding proficiency hints at an extra gear.

In the case of Walker, we’ll have to see whether he can sustain his collegiate prowess (although raw and in need of refinement) at the NBA level.

True talent is easily recognized within a three year window so it shouldn’t take too long for us to recognize whether Danny has scored again in the draft.

In the case of O’Bryant and Erden, Danny was looking for BIG- man potential at “bargain-basement” prices. As with Kedrick Perkins, maximizing their development will in large part depend upon their respective determination and dedication.

by moskqq on Jul 24, 2008 8:01 AM EDT reply actions

rondo is like the energizer bunny- he keeps going and going,etc. by the way, whatever has happened to signing our draft picks? they need to be in the fold pronto.

by nazzbo on Jul 24, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

No mention of his line from the clincher, Jeff?! Is the 21-8-7-6 more common than I thought?

by Robb @ CelticsBlog on Jul 24, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

Rondo can be better than Chris Paul and Deron Williams if he can hit his jump shot consistently. He already has better defense than 95% of point guards!

by Shaqzilla on Jul 24, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

Alright maybe not better than those too sorry I was just watchin this video of him when I typed that. Anyways his rebounding, defense, court vision, speed, and tenacity trumps what his statistics say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGcd5r6tOkA

by Shaqzilla on Jul 24, 2008 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

When he fully realizes he can get to the rim and jam over people
he will reach the next level. Last I checked there is only one
starting PG on the NBA champs. He has just scratched the surface of his ability. He has quickness and hops that few PGs
possess. With his quickness all he has to consistently knock down are 15 footers. That will come. With more experience he will be making better decisions on the break and in the half court sets. It is going to be fun watching him improve.

by Greg37 on Jul 24, 2008 6:34 PM EDT reply actions