Is Rondo Too Worried About Assists?

[gar]

Yes and afraid of getting fouled! His unwillingness to take it to the hole really hurts us. Only a matter of time before teams play him to pass.

[ManUp]

Yes and afraid of getting fouled! His unwillingness to take it to the hole really hurts us. Only a matter of time before teams play him to pass.

The good teams already do. Orlando wants him to drive it into the paint against Howard. The last time we played Dallas they completely ignored him in crunch time leaving him wiiiide open. LA has yet to really get burned by Rondo. San Antonio tried it, but Rondo was actually prepared. Against Chicago he was a non-factor because no one else was effective and he was a reluctant scorer. He has to become a bigger scoring threat.

[Bankshot]

Every once in a while there's an extreme case where he passes up a wide open layup and pass is it off, but the whole team is guilty of over passing. It's better to have a point guard who's a little bit too worried about assists, than one that's worried about getting points. I don't have a problem with Rondo's style... and like Housecall said above his ankle may still be bothering him, that'd definitely effect his driving to the hole.

How about not worrying about either and just play your game?

[ejk3489]

Inconsistency has been the mark of Rondo's career thus far. I don't know if it has anything to do with assists, but some games he noticeably plays harder than others, which, to me, is unacceptable.

That may have been true in his first few seasons, but last season and especially this season he has been very consistent. Obviously dealing with injuries has hurt him some, but it's not like he only gets up for games against Chris Paul, Parker, Rose, Deron, ect. like he used to. Some of his biggest games have come against teams like Detroit, Milwaukee, Philly...not exactly the elite of the league.

I don't think having a bad game here and there means he isn't playing hard. You can't go full speed every single game...it's a long season that will hopefully last until June.

[GreenNote]

He's definitely worried about assists, can you think of any other player who gives up a wide open fastbreak layup to a non-fancy funker trailing by about 15 feet?

[Edgar]

pst pst rajon

F
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[Timdawgg]

He's definitely worried about assists, can you think of any other player who gives up a wide open fastbreak layup to a non-fancy funker trailing by about 15 feet?

This drives me nuts. The first time a couple games ago bugged me a little but when i saw it again yesterday I was a p---ed-off. Nothing against trying to up your stats but in a close game why not just take it all the way in. You are just increasing your chances for a turnover or someone getting back on d. It is the same as a showboat dunk to me. I will take it in a 20 point blowout but when it is a close game or your down by a few points you do the thing that makes you the most likely to score and that is not waiting 5 seconds to pass it off to someone...seems too self serving for my taste....

[PaulPierce34G]

I think initially for most of this season his primary goal has been looking for assists more so than scoring, but I think the last few games he has been taking more jumpers ever since that probable confidence boosting shot performance versus San Antonio.  I'd rather have him keep up his more worrying about assists tho, in my personal opinion.  That's his job, so as long as it does not have some negative effect, ie, as if he is forcing getting these assists rather than just naturally getting them, and taking things as a whole out of their natural flow.

[Edgar]

The thing is for reaching that number of assist hes getting at the start of the year he needs 4 ofensive weapons on the team
He had it first games with shaq, kg, Ray and Paul playing to win
he will have them again when it matters, If he doenst have them all like now, he should take his share of attacks and shots, and drives, and floaters. That last one, quinquessencial for his game

[crafty213]

He isn't playing aggressively and I'm a little upset that Doc hasn't been calling him out on it.

That is most likely because Doc understands the injury that is limited him at this point.  If it was not for Nate's poor play and Delonte being out Rondo probably would be resting with KG right now. 

[Edgar]

He isn't playing aggressively and I'm a little upset that Doc hasn't been calling him out on it.

That is most likely because Doc understands the injury that is limited him at this point.  If it was not for Nate's poor play and Delonte being out Rondo probably would be resting with KG right now. 

I also consider that this could be a reason
But is he really injuried at that estenht?
where are  the most reliable words on this??

[greg683x]

He's definitely worried about assists, can you think of any other player who gives up a wide open fastbreak layup to a non-fancy funker trailing by about 15 feet?

it caught ray by suprise, he had to speed up to get back ahead of the defender.

i understand the notion of getting other players involved to get the team going but this IMO is clearly just Rondo trying to stuff his stat line.  


...I think if Rondo were going to become a stat stuffing ego maniac, I think we'll really see it in the post big 3 era.

[RJ87]

It's like he's waiting for someone to get open so he can pass them the ball and get the assist.  When he does this though, the defense gets set against the Celtics and by the time he passes the ball, Davis is the only one open besides himself.  He's not pushing the ball and not getting the ball to Ray or Pierce earlier in the shot clock.

And several threads about Davis's shots go up seemingly after every game, but no one mentions Rondo's part in it.  Some shots he's passing to Davis because he wants him to shoot it, but several times last night, it was given to Davis with the shot clock running out because Rondo was holding onto the ball for so long.

If Rondo wanted the assist that bad, you think Baby is his first option? Obviously, Paul and Ray are better shooters and are more likely to get Rondo the assist in most situations. With KG out, though, opposing defenses are able to better deny the ball to Ray and Paul, forcing either the Baby 18footer or the Rondo jumper.

[hokinanaz]

doc  said it himself its not BBD job to be standing out in the open spot.especially when its obvious the defence wants him to take the shot instead of pierce and allen. doc said BBD needs to concentrate more on setting screens and picks for the main shooters instead of lookin to get open and playing into the defences plans.

[Celtics18]

I've got no problem with Rajon looking to pad his assist stats.  I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being called selfish because he passes too much.  I certainly don't think his teammates mind. 

I feel that Rajon's running of this team is the biggest reason that we've been shooting over 50% all season and leading the league in assists. 

Yeah, having Paul, Ray and KG to pass to certainly helps, but they need Rondo to be as efficient as they've been, as well.

Keep passing the ball, Rajon!! I, for one, am thrilled that the best passer in the NBA plays for our team.