Hoping Rondo has worked to improve weaknesses

[Zev Love X]

I was watching the comcast celtics preview over the weekend and I remember Rajon Rondo being asked by Greg Dickerson what he thought he needed to improve on for this year and I don't remember what exactly he said anymore (stuff about staying healthy this year) but one thing that really stuck out to me was he didn't mention free throws or a jumpshot. Now, it seems like Rajon's done a bit of maturing but hearing him kind of avoid that his free throws and shooting need improvement did not seem like great sign (of course it means nothing until he actually plays but still). Idk I just hope he can improve from last year and at least get to like 68-69% this year from the line so that theres at least a chance he can drive to the hoop to create offense at the end of games. What do y'all think is there any hope?

[Roy H.]

The shooting is a worry, but it's the free throws that keep Rondo from being a dominant player.  What separates Rondo from Russell Westbrook in terms of scoring?  The ability to get to the line and make his freebies. 

Seriously, if Rondo added FT shooting to his repertoire, he could be a 20 ppg scorer.

[bagwell368]

The shooting is a worry, but it's the free throws that keep Rondo from being a dominant player.  What separates Rondo from Russell Westbrook in terms of scoring?  The ability to get to the line and make his freebies. 

Seriously, if Rondo added FT shooting to his repertoire, he could be a 20 ppg scorer.

Yup, with his quickness Rondo could draw soooo many fouls, it's ridiculous.

[BballTim]

  I think he should practice his free throw shooting, but I don't think that obsessing over free throw shooting is conducive to improving in that area.

[bruinsandceltics]

The fact that he hasn't really been able to improve either of his most glaring weaknesses so far in his career is the reason I would have absolutely no problem trading him for CP3.

If he could improve marginally at shooting, and become a 70% FT shooter he would be the best PG in the league.

I would be so happy if he came in this year and showed improvements in both areas, but I am not expecting much.

[Cman]

I don't see Rondo's shooting improving any time soon.
This gets brought up all the time, as if Rondo just needs to "work a little harder" to get it right.

My take: he would love nothing more than to be a better shooter, and has probably worked hundreds of hours at it... this offseason alone. Just as he has in all the summers past. Unfortunately, I just don't think its as easy as "working a little harder" to get it. At this point, its just unlikely to happen.

I also don't get the preoccupation with Rondo and his shooting. Lots of players on the Cs have (non-injury related) issues with their game. Why aren't we harping on those?

[Zev Love X]

I also don't get the preoccupation with Rondo and his shooting. Lots of players on the Cs have (non-injury related) issues with their game. Why aren't we harping on those?

Probably has something to do with those other players not being the celtics best player and the key to our chances at a championship

[Sketch5]

I think Rondos problem when it comes to shooting is in his head. When he doesn't have to think about it, he nails a  lot of shots. When he just catch's and shoots that little elbow shot its butter. Same with the three at a buzzer.

But when he has too much time, it goes to hell. Problem is he's never really had to shoot. Had too many people around him to do that for him. I think this season he will be forced to shoot more. And who knows, maybe he finds his shot.

Or not...

[dtrader]

I'm looking forward to seeing if Rondo has made progress.  I'm really hoping he has, but unfortunately, I doubt it.  I've been a big critic of his shooting since joining the forum, and as much as I like to be right, this is one time I'd absolutely love to have to eat my words.  If his shooting is improved, our team is improved, and theres nothing that makes me happier than that.

That said...if he does NOT show marked improvement, I dont want to hear any excuses for him next offseason lol.

[Zev Love X]

yea i agree with you guys and i think that rondo averaging 10 points a game last year is unacceptable this year. We need more scoring because of the big 3 decline (particularly KG). Big reason why so many people wanted the paul trade. Hoping to see him average 14-15 ppg at least which he absolutely has the ability to do.

[clover]

Last year was Rondo's worst ever FT% and his PPG were down from the previous two years as well.

Clearly it got into his head last year and then he started avoiding going to the basket in a way that could get him to the line.  If he can just get his head back to where it was a year or two ago, he'll be better off.

[BballTim]

Last year was Rondo's worst ever FT% and his PPG were down from the previous two years as well.

Clearly it got into his head last year and then he started avoiding going to the basket in a way that could get him to the line.  If he can just get his head back to where it was a year or two ago, he'll be better off.

  It's hard to ignore all of his health problems when you look at things like that.

[dark_lord]

i could careless about his inability to stick a jumper.  obviously, i would love for him to consistently stick a 15 footer, especially off the dribble......BUT the only think I wish he would improve is his free throws.  with his ability to get to the paint and draw a foul, he has to be able to make free throws.  is 70% really too much to ask for?!?!

[BudweiserCeltic]

To me Rondo's biggest weakness has been decision making in my opinion and not using his speed effectively. Though shooting and all that would help certainly, I think he can be very effective simply improving what skills he already has. It's always been a consistency issue with him.

[bfrombleacher]

I think Rondos problem when it comes to shooting is in his head. When he doesn't have to think about it, he nails a  lot of shots. When he just catch's and shoots that little elbow shot its butter. Same with the three at a buzzer.