Analyzing Rondo - What makes Rondo special?

[coco]

As we all know by now, Rondo’s  game and approach is an acquired taste.
 
I think during this rough stretch for Rondo, it's important to remind ourselves what makes him unique.
And yes, opinions will vary….

My take:
I think Rondo is at his best when he:
He is rebounding, passing, steals, pushes the ball, penetrates

I think Rondo is at his worst when:
For no apparent reason decides to slow down the game, which in most cases happens in the 4th quarter - and affects the rest of his game and the team's game

So what’s your take? What makes him special? When is he at his worst?

[Celtics/Run]

Rondo will be the greatest Celtic PG of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgmh8ssZd-o

[OsirusCeltics]

His intelligence and his moxie is what draws me

He thinks literally 5 paces ahead of everyone. His ability to remember the opposing teams plays and tell his team what they are going to run

His moxie in the playoffs is legendary, he already to me has put himself with the all time greats

And like Celtics/Run said, he will be the greatest Celtics PG of all time

[2short]

His passing is on steve nash level.
His basketball iq is pretty special.
He can take over games like few nba players at any posistion.

So this means bash him while he is playing in a less than normal streak 

[CoachBo]

First, Rondo isn't on Cousy's level and he won't be until he upgrades his ability to score the basketball.

Beyond that, when he's into the game and playing aggressively, he's one of the top 5 points in the game today - but not the best.

He has been neither recently.

[jambr380]

His intelligence and his moxie is what draws me

He thinks literally 5 paces ahead of everyone. His ability to remember the opposing teams plays and tell his team what they are going to run

His moxie in the playoffs is legendary, he already to me has put himself with the all time greats

And like Celtics/Run said, he will be the greatest Celtics PG of all time

I like this response. Obviously one can talk about the tangibles - like assists, steals, athleticism, but there are so many other things that he offers that other pgs lack. I remember a couple of years ago people were talking about Devin Harris versus Rondo. At the time Harris was tearing it up, but it was still obvious to me that Rondo was just 'better'. I think you pinpointed why.

[housecall]

Rondo's ability at a young age not to crack under pressure on the biggest stage of the pro game,the NBA finals.What other pg's in the NBA today have made it where Rondo's been and won in his second season of the NBA and repeat the trip in a couple seasons without winning but lead his team back to the finals.His ability to perform on the biggest stage like a seasoned vet is most impressive to me.When i look at players like Lebron that appeared rattled in some playoff series,it makes you wonder if D.Rose,CP3,D.Will all pg's that are considered by many better than Rondo but are they really...we haven't had the chance to judge these top pg's on the highest playing field.
 Rondo's ability to raise his level of play in playoff games is special also.He has proven in some series when the pressure is on he can take his game to another level.I don't think many pg's in this league are able to take their game to a higher level and basically win a few games for their team in the playoffs.

[Bankshot]

First, Rondo isn't on Cousy's level and he won't be until he upgrades his ability to score the basketball.

Beyond that, when he's into the game and playing aggressively, he's one of the top 5 points in the game today - but not the best.

He has been neither recently.

Pretty much sums it up for me.