Teams Daring Rondo To Beat Them

by Jeff Clark on Feb 20, 2012 10:37 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

With the exception of last nigh, Rajon Rondo has been on a scoring tear, but the team hasn't exactly been on a tear with him. Rondo is getting more aggressive lately but I think there's something more to it. It seems teams have apparently decided to let Rondo score and stop the other weapons on the Boston roster. So far it is working. This reminds me of when teams started giving Steve Nash his shots and closing off his passing options.

With Rajon Rondo scoring, team slow to adjust - BostonHerald.com

"Yeah, I think we have to figure out where it’s going to come from," Paul Pierce said before last night’s game. "It’s kind of challenging. As Rondo is getting better, my role kind of changes into more of a slasher and spot-up shooter and a screener, things of that nature." Rondo is just taking the next natural step in his progression. He’s doing as the club asks and getting more like the player for whom it tried to trade him, Chris Paul. "He’s just taking advantage of the opportunities given to him," Pierce said. "Teams are allowing him to take those shots, and he’s just being more aggressive, especially in the mid-range. "A lot of teams are trying to trap me and Ray (Allen) off of picks, and they’re allowing Rondo space. They’re going under a lot of his pick-and-rolls, and I just think he’s being more aggressive."

I don't think the answer is for Rondo to force passes, but perhaps his teammates need to be more creative about getting themselves in position to help. I don't know, it is just another challenge and frustration for this team's offense to work through.

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Comments

the passing of the torch was not going to be easy

it’s painful right now but it needs to happen if Rondo is going to improve as a player

by mc34 on Feb 20, 2012 10:41 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions

There's no torch to pass because Rondo can't be the best player on your team.

He’s had his chances. They’ve let him run it this year, but he just can’t be a franchise guy. He just can’t. People need to wake up and understand Rondo is not as good as we think he is.he’s good. He’s great, but he’s not who we think he is.

by Celticsdude on Feb 20, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

he's the only one who can charge the hoop

effectively.
we have no center, and two forwards who play more like shooting guards.
there is a reason we don’t get to the line.
the FT line is a critical part of NBA basketball.

by Snowball on Feb 20, 2012 11:17 AM EST reply actions

Trade Rondooooo

We can get good value for him, perhaps even a Top 5 draft pick! Please, this guy is not a franchise player, Dwight doesn’t want to play with him, and you can’t build around him. Trade him while you still can. Get as much value as possible!

by Celticsdude on Feb 20, 2012 11:49 AM EST reply actions

Rondo is a franchise player.

This is a transition period. The Celtics have never dealt with this kind of failure. Rondo is currently undergoing a metamorphosis. When he needs to be Chris Paul he will be. I expect his next game to be a monster one.

by ben_from_boston on Feb 20, 2012 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Rondo is not a franchise player.

He worked well with the Big Three when they were viabrant and effective. He had a heck of 2009 and playoff series with the Bulls. Then he got overrated. It would not surprise me if he is traded by this upcoming deadline. He is lost now with the Old Three and is not good enough of a scorer to carry this team. Ainge will not get much for any of the Old Three now so he can either wait until the summer and sign a couple of somebodys that he hopes can play well with Rondo or he can trade Rondo now or in the summer and reorganize the structure of the team. Ainge should go big and work our offense inside out as opposed to our jump shooting team that we have now. Rondo will not work as well with an inside out type of offense. Ainge should try to move him now while he still has high value. I think he well may be gone by March 15th.

by celty86 on Feb 20, 2012 3:17 PM EST reply actions

+1

by Celticsdude on Feb 20, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

If Rondo was a franchise player

we should have more banners with the cast of players he has had around him over the past 4 years. He is a Good point Guard perhaps a star to to all star but surely not a franchise player. He has too many flaws. No outside shot for starters not to mention his moody and hot head conduct off and on.

by Moses Freeman Jr. on Feb 20, 2012 10:13 PM EST reply actions