Rondo let his man beat him on purpose to get steals?

[Roy Hobbs]

Many people have at times complained about Rondo's lack of defensive fundamentals, questioning his ability to stay in front of his man.  It turns out that Rondo agrees with those critics:

By his own admission, Rajon Rondo would roll the dice more than a few times a night. He’d let the point guard get by him, then swipe at the ball from behind, trying to poke out a steal, or “back-tipping’’ as he put it.

“I used to be good for four, five, six of those a game,’’ Rondo said.

Maybe this is one of the things Doc was talking about when he said the young guys started thinking a little bit too much about their own stats.  Steals can be exciting, but inversely, an opposing PG easily scoring can be equally demoralizing.  It's a bad trait, and it's good to see that Rondo is growing out of it.

Doc seems pleased, too:

I think he’s a better defender this year than he was last year by far because he’s doing more team things,’’ Rivers said. “He’s not gambling as much, he’s staying in front of the ball, he’s doing a fantastic job of getting over pick-and-rolls. That was one of his weak points last year. He would reach on pick-and-rolls instead of getting in front of the ball and squaring it up.’’

Trying to determine how well a point guard defends is less about how many points his man scores and more about what kind of position he allows his man to get.

“If that guard is in the paint causing havoc, whether he’s scoring or creating scoring, then our point guard’s not doing a good job,’’ Rivers said.

Doc takes a further shot at Rondo's defensive reputation, saying it's not yet deserved:

In a survey of general managers, Rondo was tapped as the fourth best as a perimeter defender and split with Kobe Bryant for the league’s best on-the-ball defender.

“That’s because they don’t coach,’’ Rivers joked. “Don’t get me wrong, Rondo is a fantastic defender, but he’s got a level to go and he can be a great, great defender and for him to do that he has to stay in front of the ball.’’

[Steve Weinman]

Many people have at times complained about Rondo's lack of defensive fundamentals, questioning his ability to stay in front of his man.  It turns out that Rondo agrees with those critics:

By his own admission, Rajon Rondo would roll the dice more than a few times a night. He’d let the point guard get by him, then swipe at the ball from behind, trying to poke out a steal, or “back-tipping’’ as he put it.

“I used to be good for four, five, six of those a game,’’ Rondo said.

Maybe this is one of the things Doc was talking about when he said the young guys started thinking a little bit too much about their own stats.  Steals can be exciting, but inversely, an opposing PG easily scoring can be equally demoralizing.  It's a bad trait, and it's good to see that Rondo is growing out of it.

Doc seems pleased, too:

I think he’s a better defender this year than he was last year by far because he’s doing more team things,’’ Rivers said. “He’s not gambling as much, he’s staying in front of the ball, he’s doing a fantastic job of getting over pick-and-rolls. That was one of his weak points last year. He would reach on pick-and-rolls instead of getting in front of the ball and squaring it up.’’

Trying to determine how well a point guard defends is less about how many points his man scores and more about what kind of position he allows his man to get.

“If that guard is in the paint causing havoc, whether he’s scoring or creating scoring, then our point guard’s not doing a good job,’’ Rivers said.

Doc takes a further shot at Rondo's defensive reputation, saying it's not yet deserved:

In a survey of general managers, Rondo was tapped as the fourth best as a perimeter defender and split with Kobe Bryant for the league’s best on-the-ball defender.

“That’s because they don’t coach,’’ Rivers joked. “Don’t get me wrong, Rondo is a fantastic defender, but he’s got a level to go and he can be a great, great defender and for him to do that he has to stay in front of the ball.’’

Emailed this link to The Guru early this morning - I think it's the most important non-health-related thing I've read about this team since the end of last season. 

And I couldn't agree with Doc more.

-sw

[GKC]

I've noticed him do it twice in the current game @ Toronto. However, he only does it when he knows even if he gets beat, Perk or KG are behind him. This let's him somewhat hedge his bets I guess.

You also notice that he doesn't do this with great drivers. When against NO and Utah in last years home games, he was full on lockdown mode. I guess he plays to his competition.

This isn't uncommon though. Lebron often let's players drive passed him so he can get the surprise block. It depends on your competition.

[Kwhit10]

I've noticed him do it twice in the current game @ Toronto. However, he only does it when he knows even if he gets beat, Perk or KG are behind him. This let's him somewhat hedge his bets I guess.

You also notice that he doesn't do this with great drivers. When against NO and Utah in last years home games, he was full on lockdown mode. I guess he plays to his competition.

This isn't uncommon though. Lebron often let's players drive passed him so he can get the surprise block. It depends on your competition.

Yea saw him do it the first time and didn't think Calderon had the ability to blow by Rondo like that, but saw it the second time and he was trying for the swipe.  I'd rather have him just stay in front of his man instead of gambling.  Letting the PG go by him can lead to big men shifting over leaving their man, or them being more susceptible to getting fouls.

[gar]

Glad Doc was able to hit the nail on the head in terms of what it takes to mature as a PG in the NBA. The scouts are onto Rondo anyway so diminishing returns are inevitable

[Steve Weinman]

However, he only does it when he knows even if he gets beat, Perk or KG are behind him.

This is not a viable defense for that sort of conduct defensively. 

I get that doing it when there is help back there is probably better than nothing, but the idea of hanging one of your bigs out to dry in what effectively becomes a miniature 2-on-1 on the paint is not particularly enticing.

I remember becoming especially aggravated about this on a couple of occasions in Game 3 against Orlando last season, when Rondo's swiping forced Perk to make a choice between giving a point guard an open floater/baby jumper in the paint, or stepping out and allowing a bounce pass for an uncontested lay-in.  While that game stands out in my head, it's just one example - that's the sort of thing that's likely to happen often with that sort of swiping philosophy.

Again, glad to hear coaching staff and player are on the same page about making a change.

-sw

[Roy Hobbs]

However, he only does it when he knows even if he gets beat, Perk or KG are behind him.

This is not a viable defense for that sort of conduct defensively. 

I get that doing it when there is help back there is probably better than nothing, but the idea of hanging one of your bigs out to dry in what effectively becomes a miniature 2-on-1 on the paint is not particularly enticing.

I remember becoming especially aggravated about this on a couple of occasions in Game 3 against Orlando last season, when Rondo's swiping forced Perk to make a choice between giving a point guard an open floater/baby jumper in the paint, or stepping out and allowing a bounce pass for an uncontested lay-in.  While that game stands out in my head, it's just one example - that's the sort of thing that's likely to happen often with that sort of swiping philosophy.

Again, glad to hear coaching staff and player are on the same page about making a change.

-sw

I demand a one-time return of the Daily Babble on this subject!

 

[Bahku]

Many people have at times complained about Rondo's lack of defensive fundamentals, questioning his ability to stay in front of his man.  It turns out that Rondo agrees with those critics:

By his own admission, Rajon Rondo would roll the dice more than a few times a night. He’d let the point guard get by him, then swipe at the ball from behind, trying to poke out a steal, or “back-tipping’’ as he put it.

“I used to be good for four, five, six of those a game,’’ Rondo said.

Maybe this is one of the things Doc was talking about when he said the young guys started thinking a little bit too much about their own stats.  Steals can be exciting, but inversely, an opposing PG easily scoring can be equally demoralizing.  It's a bad trait, and it's good to see that Rondo is growing out of it.

Doc seems pleased, too:

I think he’s a better defender this year than he was last year by far because he’s doing more team things,’’ Rivers said. “He’s not gambling as much, he’s staying in front of the ball, he’s doing a fantastic job of getting over pick-and-rolls. That was one of his weak points last year. He would reach on pick-and-rolls instead of getting in front of the ball and squaring it up.’’

Trying to determine how well a point guard defends is less about how many points his man scores and more about what kind of position he allows his man to get.

“If that guard is in the paint causing havoc, whether he’s scoring or creating scoring, then our point guard’s not doing a good job,’’ Rivers said.

Doc takes a further shot at Rondo's defensive reputation, saying it's not yet deserved:

In a survey of general managers, Rondo was tapped as the fourth best as a perimeter defender and split with Kobe Bryant for the league’s best on-the-ball defender.

“That’s because they don’t coach,’’ Rivers joked. “Don’t get me wrong, Rondo is a fantastic defender, but he’s got a level to go and he can be a great, great defender and for him to do that he has to stay in front of the ball.’’

This is exactly the kind of thing that demonstrates what a great coach Doc is ... not only does he know exactly what to say to each player to get the most out of him, but he also treats each with a unique caring and understanding that maximizes that players talents, cultivates a hunger for improvement, and weaves it all together to make the team function at it's highest level as a group. Those Doc-haters, take note: He is not just another coach, and this is only one of the many reasons why. Love this post. (TP)

[Bahku]

However, he only does it when he knows even if he gets beat, Perk or KG are behind him.

This is not a viable defense for that sort of conduct defensively. 

I get that doing it when there is help back there is probably better than nothing, but the idea of hanging one of your bigs out to dry in what effectively becomes a miniature 2-on-1 on the paint is not particularly enticing.

I remember becoming especially aggravated about this on a couple of occasions in Game 3 against Orlando last season, when Rondo's swiping forced Perk to make a choice between giving a point guard an open floater/baby jumper in the paint, or stepping out and allowing a bounce pass for an uncontested lay-in.  While that game stands out in my head, it's just one example - that's the sort of thing that's likely to happen often with that sort of swiping philosophy.

Again, glad to hear coaching staff and player are on the same page about making a change.

-sw

I demand a one-time return of the Daily Babble on this subject!

 

Amen. Since I've been back I've been searching for the "Babble" each morning, and thinking that I was just lost, due to all the new changes. I infer from this post that it no longer exists, and I'm saddened by that ... it used to be how I would greet each day: A cup of Cap and the Daily Babble. Really miss it, SW!

[star18]

I think it is OK to do once or twice a game, after that it isn't really going to work that much.

[GKC]

My only problem is that Rondo has shown frustration over all the trade talks, and their still giving him crap.

I dunno, might frustrate a young PG.

[Roy Hobbs]

My only problem is that Rondo has shown frustration over all the trade talks, and their still giving him crap.

I dunno, might frustrate a young PG.

I agree that the message doesn't necessarily have to be spread through the media, but I do think it was something that needed to be addressed.  I don't think you can stop teaching a young PG, just because he's a little prickly and might react poorly.

(Also, from what it looks like, Rondo has accepted the criticism, and has agreed with it.  That shows some growth on his part.)

[GKC]

My only problem is that Rondo has shown frustration over all the trade talks, and their still giving him crap.

I dunno, might frustrate a young PG.

I agree that the message doesn't necessarily have to be spread through the media, but I do think it was something that needed to be addressed.  I don't think you can stop teaching a young PG, just because he's a little prickly and might react poorly.

(Also, from what it looks like, Rondo has accepted the criticism, and has agreed with it.  That shows some growth on his part.)

That's one of the things. Doc can help him out, but there's too much media press about it.

Chad Ford on twitter:
"Can you name another instance where a talented young player wins an award or praise from his peers and his coach says he doesn't deserve it?"

"From what I'm hearing Rondo didn't think it was very funny after all the crap he got this summer ...about 1 hour ago from web "

"I know Rondo can be difficult sometimes ... but he's not Stephen Jackson. Jax is causing way more trouble and getting way more love in GS"

[ChainSmokingLikeDino]

My only problem is that Rondo has shown frustration over all the trade talks, and their still giving him crap.

I dunno, might frustrate a young PG.

I agree that the message doesn't necessarily have to be spread through the media, but I do think it was something that needed to be addressed.  I don't think you can stop teaching a young PG, just because he's a little prickly and might react poorly.

(Also, from what it looks like, Rondo has accepted the criticism, and has agreed with it.  That shows some growth on his part.)

That's one of the things. Doc can help him out, but there's too much media press about it.

Chad Ford on twitter:
"Can you name another instance where a talented young player wins an award or praise from his peers and his coach says he doesn't deserve it?"

"From what I'm hearing Rondo didn't think it was very funny after all the crap he got this summer ...about 1 hour ago from web "

"I know Rondo can be difficult sometimes ... but he's not Stephen Jackson. Jax is causing way more trouble and getting way more love in GS"

Chad Ford introduced it by saying: "Doc does ANOTHER hit job on Rondo"

But I think he is horribly misreading the scenario. To call Doc's comments "a hit job" seems to be quite an overstatement. Doc says he is doing a fantastic job in many areas and points out one in which he needs to improve, and Rondo agrees. The article itself sites the lack of news these days and frames the quotes in the lighthearted spirit they were given in (largely the GM quote on that front). Oh well. That habit of Rondo's is a big issue but it seems all parties are on the same page and Ford is trying to make it a divisive issue in a way that it isn't.

And let me second, or third or fourth, the call for a return of "the babble"

[liam]

He's always done that. But stats pay. The best defenders are the ones who stay on the floor and stay in front of there man and are always in position. I think that lot of casual fans don't even know what good defense looks like. That's why people think Dwight Howard is a better defender than Perk.