If NO does want to dump Paul to save money, do you make this trade?

[housecall]

I can't see NO doing this.

But ... acquiring a scoring bridge between the Big 3 and the future, which Rondo isn't going to be, is something that would deserve a HARD look.

                               

[BballTim]

I can't see NO doing this.

But ... acquiring a scoring bridge between the Big 3 and the future, which Rondo isn't going to be, is something that would deserve a HARD look.

  Are we all positive Rondo will never be a scorer? Since Dec. 1 he's averaging like 17/10 at 52% shooting. He's in double figures his last 14 games with 15 or more in 9 of those and hitting half or more of his shots 9 times. In the 5 games without one or both of KG and PP he's at 21/9 and shooting 54% in spite of trying to play through a leg injury.

[Kiorrik]

I can't see NO doing this.

But ... acquiring a scoring bridge between the Big 3 and the future, which Rondo isn't going to be, is something that would deserve a HARD look.

  Are we all positive Rondo will never be a scorer? Since Dec. 1 he's averaging like 17/10 at 52% shooting. He's in double figures his last 14 games with 15 or more in 9 of those and hitting half or more of his shots 9 times. In the 5 games without one or both of KG and PP he's at 21/9 and shooting 54% in spite of trying to play through a leg injury.

You won't be winning that argument (yet) for we need more proof :p

I totally agree though. Rondo can score just like Paul does. The games he got where Pierce was out and he *had* to perform, he did. Imagine if he'd be allowed to 'rule' on a consistent base, every single game. He'd most certainly be gathering lots of experience, skills and honestly: he'd rack up the points and average *well* above 20, maybe even high 20's.

This post is heavily influenced by "IMO"-ness.

[nickagneta]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

[BballTim]

I can't see NO doing this.

But ... acquiring a scoring bridge between the Big 3 and the future, which Rondo isn't going to be, is something that would deserve a HARD look.

  Are we all positive Rondo will never be a scorer? Since Dec. 1 he's averaging like 17/10 at 52% shooting. He's in double figures his last 14 games with 15 or more in 9 of those and hitting half or more of his shots 9 times. In the 5 games without one or both of KG and PP he's at 21/9 and shooting 54% in spite of trying to play through a leg injury.

You won't be winning that argument (yet) for we need more proof :p

  Sure, the same way I was always unable to win any arguments about how Rondo was likely to outgrow any immaturity or inconsistency issues, or about how he was  more likely to improve this year than he was to regress or stay the same. Life on celticsblog, I guess.

[Fafnir]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

Players have good and bad months shooting. Month to month fluctuations don't tell you a whole lot, you need a full year's worth of data to really judge improvement.

Rondo has me hopeful, but remember he didn't really attempt any jumpshots last night except those late heaves from deep late in the shot clock. His FT shooting is the most important thing for this season though. I'm glad he's coming around.

[Kiorrik]

I can't see NO doing this.

But ... acquiring a scoring bridge between the Big 3 and the future, which Rondo isn't going to be, is something that would deserve a HARD look.

  Are we all positive Rondo will never be a scorer? Since Dec. 1 he's averaging like 17/10 at 52% shooting. He's in double figures his last 14 games with 15 or more in 9 of those and hitting half or more of his shots 9 times. In the 5 games without one or both of KG and PP he's at 21/9 and shooting 54% in spite of trying to play through a leg injury.

You won't be winning that argument (yet) for we need more proof :p

  Sure, the same way I was always unable to win any arguments about how Rondo was likely to outgrow any immaturity or inconsistency issues, or about how he was  more likely to improve this year than he was to regress or stay the same. Life on celticsblog, I guess.

That's life m8 I'll TP you for trying though

Also, I agree. Rondo is going to keep improving imo.

[nickagneta]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

Players have good and bad months shooting. Month to month fluctuations don't tell you a whole lot, you need a full year's worth of data to really judge improvement.

Rondo has me hopeful, but remember he didn't really attempt any jumpshots last night except those late heaves from deep late in the shot clock. His FT shooting is the most important thing for this season though. I'm glad he's coming around.

I heard the same stuff last year when it was plainly obvious that baby's shot was dropping. By year's end there was no debate, Baby was a much improved outside shooter.

The trend is trending upward. I think the signs, those other than numbers, are obvious. Rondo is looking to have much improved form. He has found a free throw ritual and form that is working for him. His confidence is high. Add that to the numbers and I think, he may have turned a corner.

But you are right. Time will tell.

[Spilling Green Dye]

I have a difficult time with that trade mainly because this Celtics team, when healthy, is legitimate favorites to win the Championship.  It's not like our best games are behind us.  If Ray's contract went into next year, then I'd definitely consider it more (next year).

Having said that, I think Rondo fits in with this team, but you're deluding yourself if you think Rondo is "as good of a scorer as Chris Paul."  It's just not true.  Again, wait until the playoffs against the Cavs/Lakers, etc when they sag off of him.

[scootman]

no no no no no!!  i never want to trade rondo. paul dribbles the ball way to much

[footey]

no no no no no!!  i never want to trade rondo. paul dribbles the ball way to much

Funny you should say that about Paul. That was one of the wraps against Rondo when he was drafted. Dick Vitale on draft night said that Rondo would be a bust because all he does is pound the ball into the floor.  Vitale is entertaining, but sure stupid when it comes to predictions concerning Rondo.

[BballTim]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

Players have good and bad months shooting. Month to month fluctuations don't tell you a whole lot, you need a full year's worth of data to really judge improvement.

Rondo has me hopeful, but remember he didn't really attempt any jumpshots last night except those late heaves from deep late in the shot clock. His FT shooting is the most important thing for this season though. I'm glad he's coming around.

  But what's more important? Whether he takes and hits a lot of outside shots or whether he scores the points?

[nickagneta]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

Players have good and bad months shooting. Month to month fluctuations don't tell you a whole lot, you need a full year's worth of data to really judge improvement.

Rondo has me hopeful, but remember he didn't really attempt any jumpshots last night except those late heaves from deep late in the shot clock. His FT shooting is the most important thing for this season though. I'm glad he's coming around.

  But what's more important? Whether he takes and hits a lot of outside shots or whether he scores the points?

Both. He needs to score the points but there will definitely be times(playoff series, end of close games, end of quarters) when he will absolutely need to hit an outside shot consistently in order to take his game up to a new level, an almost Chris Paul, Deron Williams type level. Both are equally important.

[BballTim]

And his shooting has been showing definite improvement.

Since 11/27/09, a span of 6 weeks and 18 games played Rondo is shooting 69% from the free throw line. Since 12/22/09, a two week and 6 game span, he's shooting 71% from the line. Over the last 4 games, that number is 76%.

I don't have his recent outside shooting numbers but I do know that earlier this year his eFG% for outside shots was around 28%. It's now at 38.3%. So he has been improving that as well.

So as I said, if Rondo can improve his outside and free throw shooting, and it appears there is evidence that the work he has done on his shot is paying off, is he really that far a step down from Chris Paul as a player and if he isn't, which I don't think he would be, is it really worth it to swap PGs with the Hornets at the price of Ray, Scal, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and cash for Hadadi and Arthur?

Players have good and bad months shooting. Month to month fluctuations don't tell you a whole lot, you need a full year's worth of data to really judge improvement.

Rondo has me hopeful, but remember he didn't really attempt any jumpshots last night except those late heaves from deep late in the shot clock. His FT shooting is the most important thing for this season though. I'm glad he's coming around.

  But what's more important? Whether he takes and hits a lot of outside shots or whether he scores the points?

Both. He needs to score the points but there will definitely be times(playoff series, end of close games, end of quarters) when he will absolutely need to hit an outside shot consistently in order to take his game up to a new level, an almost Chris Paul, Deron Williams type level. Both are equally important.

 I think his outside shooting is much less of an issue when he's able to hit those floaters consistently. It makes a big difference in how teams need to defend him.

[Kiorrik]

no no no no no!!  i never want to trade rondo. paul dribbles the ball way to much

Funny you should say that about Paul. That was one of the wraps against Rondo when he was drafted. Dick Vitale on draft night said that Rondo would be a bust because all he does is pound the ball into the floor.  Vitale is entertaining, but sure stupid when it comes to predictions concerning Rondo.

Nice piece of trivia wisdom there, TP.