FanPost

Where to Go Without Rajon Rondo

The Celtics have been down this road before, life without Rajon Rondo. This season, the green team will have a few different options on how to cope with the loss of their All-Star point guard and floor general, so I decided to take a look at some of the different options Brad Stevens can use in place of Rondo.

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via redsarmy.com

Phil Pressey 5'11 175lbs 2nd Year PG

Phil Pressey is most likely to start due to most experience running the point, knowledge of the system, and familiarity with the players and their tendencies.

The Good: Pressey is a capable replacement when it comes to running the offense. He pushes the pace and gets the offense going on fast breaks, and he will make the right play most of the time. Pressey is a true point guard in the sense that his first option is to pass to a teammate for a good shot or set up the offense. Not to mention he's a pesky defender, what he lacks in size and strength, he makes up for with his will, determination, and hustle.

The Bad: Although Pressey possesses good ball handling and distributing skills, he was sometimes a bit out of control last year which resulted in some unnecessary turnovers (normal for a rookie point guard). Due to his size, Pressey has trouble finishing around the basket, not to mention his inconsistent shooting stroke from deep (26.4% from beyond the arc last year). However it should be noted that Pressey's "main focus" this summer has been shooting (via @ByJayKing)

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via a.espncdn.com

Marcus Smart 6'4 220lbs Rookie PG/SG

Marcus Smart has a chance to earn a starting gig in training camp. He averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2 steals in 29.2 minutes per game in the Orlando Summer League while leading the Celtics summer squad to a 3-2 record. If he is able to pick up the system quick enough, the temporary (?) starting position is his to earn. This could be the chance Smart needs to make an impact as a rookie.

The Good: As a rookie, Marcus Smart already has an NBA ready body. His combination of size and strength will allow him to bully some of the smaller guards he will play against, posting up and getting to the basket at ease. Smart is also a tough defender who uses his body well and can adapt quickly to the team's defensive schemes, the idea of a Smart and Bradley backcourt already has opposing guards shaking. (Yes, that means you Jameer Nelson)

The Bad: As great as Marcus Smart seems, we have to remember he is only 20 years old and a rookie in this league. It will take time for him to adjust to the increased pace and competition level of the NBA not to mention getting acclimated to Brad Steven's offensive system. Coach Stevens may want to bring Smart along at a slower pace and help him gain confidence. Smart also lacks a consistent outside jumper, which will allow defenders to sag off of him, go under pick and rolls, and focus in on more vital parts of the C's offense.

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via 3.bp.blogspot.com

Avery Bradley 6'2 180lbs 5th year SG/PG

Avery Bradley is not at his best when he plays point guard, however he is an option here. I think we’ve all come to realize that AB is much more of an asset when he plays off the ball making cuts to the hoop and shooting off of spot up and curls. Although he is much more suited to play off the ball, Bradley can be used as a PG in a pinch.

The Good: Avery Bradley is as good as it gets when it comes to defending the PG position. He stays low to the ground, slides his feet to keep his man in check, and his active hands force many turnovers. Bradley has also served as this team's PG when Rajon Rondo was out recovering from a torn ACL.

The Bad: Though serviceable at PG, Bradley lacks creativity with his ball handling and sometimes has trouble getting the offense into a steady flow. To most who watch him play, it's obvious that Bradley adds more to this team on both ends of the floor when he plays off the ball.

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via www.fantasybasketballmoneyleagues.com

Evan Turner 6'7 220lb 5th year SF/PG

Evan Turner is an option at point guard due to his ball handling and distributing abilities. Turner’s combination of size and skill has allowed him to play 1-3 in the past. Believe it or not, Turner played well as a PG last year for Indiana and Brad Stevens has already hinted at using Turner as a PG (via @ByJayKing)

The Good: Turner has great size for a PG standing at 6'7, his height allows him to see over the defense as well as overpower smaller guards on the block. Turner is also a very good ball handler, he was the primary ball handler while at Ohio State, and he possesses a career average of 3.1 APG. Solid distributing numbers for a player who isn't a true PG.

The Bad: Turner does possess a decent mid range game, however once he steps behind the line he loses all confidence in his shot. He's a career 32% shooter from downtown, but lacks any consistency in his deep shots. Turner also has trouble guarding smaller and quicker guards on the perimeter, he's no lockdown defender, but he isn't a slouch either.

So while the Celtics are without Rondo for the first few weeks of the season, one of these players will get the start but they will all share some ball handling duties. Who do you think will get the starting nod come opening night and why?

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