Major TP for this - which equals real vision IMHO.
And when I see Rondo play, what I see is an admittedly flawed player who seems to have a unique vision and passion for the game of basketball. I see someone who can affect games in ways that other players wouldn't even think of. I see someone who can be the heart of this team for a decade. I don't see that in Chris Paul, or Dwight Howard, even though they are great talents.
I see in Rondo a guy you build around. I see a guy with a different fire in his eyes, a guy with a Russell, a Cowens, a Bird, a KG quality in his eyes. I think it would be basketball madness to trade this kid. I think Ainge ought to commit to Rondo, make him untouchable, and start to build around him, consulting with him about what direction he'd like to see the team go in.
While I would "consider" trading Rondo straight up for Rose or Paul - I wouldn't even consider a conversation about trading Rondo for Williams.
* Rose and Williams can score but aren't "incredible" play makers
* Paul is a good play maker but not at Rondo's level. He also has a balky knee and with a game that is so predicated on intense herkey jerkey moves, that doesn't bode well over the years.
But more importantly, as paulcowens put it very well, Rondo has qualities you can't teach and that are very rare.
1. He can dominate you without scoring (assists/rebounds, steals)
2. He can dominate you without passing (scoring 20/rebounds/steals)
3. He can dominate you without rebounding, scoring or steals(20+ assist nights)
4. He can dominates you without scoring, rebounding or passing - just with his D.
He has intangible qualities as well:
* Toughness
* He reminds of guys like DJ and Fisher - who just make a lot of big plays somewhere on the court when you need them.
If you put young, good talent around Rondo, he will dissect you every night. He is in a league of a very small group of point guards over the years who have this level of ability to just destroy you with their play making ability, that group consists of Magic, Kidd, Cousy, Bird and yes, Rajon Rondo. He is that good, he has those types of intangibles as a point guard and as a guy who drives wins.
Put a good, young run and gun team around Rondo and we will tear up the league. It will be sick
The main reason is that like Magic, Bird, Cousy and Kidd, they all look for their teammates first, then themselves. This elevates the whole team.
Rose, Paul and especially Williams - even with decent assist numbers, are more me first points. Huge difference.