Today's Knicks game is why you don't trade Rajon Rondo

[Carhole]

I would also respond that if you think Rondo can be the second best player on a championship team, then I doubt you watch very much basketball at all

  Just curious, but your main problem with Rondo seems to be his inability to score late in games. If you paired him with a very good clutch scorer, say Pierce from 5-6 years ago, do you think the team could win a title? If not, why not?

and, people forget that rondo is being paid only $10million...its obviously not in ainge's plan to make him the #1 clutch scorer..who that will be, well have to find out

No it is not forgotten, the issue is whoever that clutch scorer is will have a much harder time finding quality shots or getting to the line against a defense that is loaded to his side with an extra man.

If Rondo can not get to a place where he can force opponents to respect his all around game and guard him in a way that his elite skills of vision, passing and quickness are a weapon when the game matters most - It doesnt matter who he has as his clutch scorer, it is going to be a hell of a lot harder to win meaningful playoff series with him on the court.

I do not want to pay anyone 10 mil if I can get a player in his place that would make it easier to win a championship.

[nickagneta]

Does someone want to clue me in as to how the league has spoken and called Rondo not a top 3 PG in the league?

[BballTim]

I would also respond that if you think Rondo can be the second best player on a championship team, then I doubt you watch very much basketball at all

  Just curious, but your main problem with Rondo seems to be his inability to score late in games. If you paired him with a very good clutch scorer, say Pierce from 5-6 years ago, do you think the team could win a title? If not, why not?

Potentially, but it would be much harder. There is a reason the historically great wings are paired with shooting point guards.

  Sounds like you agree that Rondo could win a title if he was the second best player on his team. I guess you don't watch much basketball either.

  How about a good scoring big? Would that be easier than a good scoring wing?

[Donoghus]

Always nice to see Rondo in "Eff You" mode.

I just wish he could turn on that switch more often.

[Carhole]

I would also respond that if you think Rondo can be the second best player on a championship team, then I doubt you watch very much basketball at all

  Just curious, but your main problem with Rondo seems to be his inability to score late in games. If you paired him with a very good clutch scorer, say Pierce from 5-6 years ago, do you think the team could win a title? If not, why not?

Potentially, but it would be much harder. There is a reason the historically great wings are paired with shooting point guards.

  Sounds like you agree that Rondo could win a title if he was the second best player on his team. I guess you don't watch much basketball either.

  How about a good scoring big? Would that be easier than a good scoring wing?

I do not agree at all. You asked a hypothetical question so I tried not to give an overly presumptuous answer.

No, it doesnt matter who you pair him with, it could be Jordan reincarnated and they could have 10 other low level all star players on the team and they still would have no chance, even if they benched rondo for the close 4th qtrs of important games (like they did in 08) the team still could not possibly win simply because the name rajon rondo was the second most respected name on the paper they print the game rosters on...

Sufficient?

We will get to see, Rondo WILL not win a title as the second best player on the team. God willing, I would love to make a wager that I would be able to collect on with you

 Don't insult others' fandom.

[Carhole]

Does someone want to clue me in as to how the league has spoken and called Rondo not a top 3 PG in the league?

From the leaks and coverage of the trade possibilities (that we all know are not actually taking place) it sure seems like the majority of gms and people the cover the sport do not believe rondo to be a top 3 point guard.

Do you?

[cman88]

hey everyone, Magic Johnson and bob cousy know nothing about what makes a good pointguard!

carhole knows all..

 No calling out other posters, and keep the tone friendly.

[indeedproceed]

Stop the personal attacks, or I'm locking the thread.

[wdleehi]

I look at this different.



If the Celtics want to move Rondo, a game like this is what they want to increase his trade value.


It the Celtics do not want to move Rondo, a game like this reinforces that feeling.

[nickagneta]

Does someone want to clue me in as to how the league has spoken and called Rondo not a top 3 PG in the league?

From the leaks and coverage of the trade possibilities (that we all know are not actually taking place) it sure seems like the majority of gms and people the cover the sport do not believe rondo to be a top 3 point guard.

Do you?

Well, exactly what has been credibly reported that makes you jump to the conclusion that league wide, there is a perception of Rondo not being a top three PG?

The fact that New Orleans turned down a trade where the main components were Rondo and Chris Paul, the player widely considered as the best PG in the league? To me that tells me that New Orleans was looking for something a lot better than a basic swap of top PGs.

The fact that Golden State was reported as not wanting to trade Rondo for Steph Curry? Well, all I can say about that is Golden State also apparently wouldn't swap Curry for Paul, the aforementioned widely considered best PG in the league. Given that fact and the fact that Golden State has sucked, like, forever, I would have to question their ability to properly gauge talent.

Other than that, what facts, and I mean actual facts that have been reported, show that league wide Rondo isn't considered as a top PG? Ainge and Doc have stated Rondo hasn't been shopped. Via Wojo and MacMullen, two of the more credible and consistently plugged in reporters out there, two GMs outside the Celtics organization have reported Rondo hasn't been shopped to them and that they haven't heard that he has been anywhere.

Everything else is rumor and conjecture and given Rondo's selection to All-Star teams and All-Defense teams, teams voted on by the leagues coaches, I say he is extremely well considered around the league as one of the best all around PGs in the game.

[OmarSekou]

I look at this different.

If the Celtics want to move Rondo, a game like this is what they want to increase his trade value.


It the Celtics do not want to move Rondo, a game like this reinforces that feeling.

How do you look at it as a fan though?

And Carhole, I'm not sure that a lot of people would agree with you that Tyson Chandler is definitively better than Rondo. What are you basing that judgment off of?

I see the thread is getting heated. This isn't a personal attack. I honestly want to know your rationale.

[Zev Love X]

And that game against the lakers a couple weeks back is why you DO trade rondo. But phenomenal game tonight nonetheless

[wdleehi]

I look at this different.

If the Celtics want to move Rondo, a game like this is what they want to increase his trade value.


It the Celtics do not want to move Rondo, a game like this reinforces that feeling.

How do you look at it as a fan though?

And Carhole, I'm not sure that a lot of people would agree with you that Tyson Chandler is definitively better than Rondo. What are you basing that judgment off of?

I see the thread is getting heated. This isn't a personal attack. I honestly want to know your rationale.

As a fan, it his play allows them to trade for star player that is better then him, I am fine with them making that trade. 

[Greenbean]

Please Rajon, Im begging you...

Pretty please play with more consistency.

Im not asking you to drop these crazy triple doubles every game but there is no reason you cant put up 17 12 and 6-7 rbs while playing tough defense every single game.

Please maintain some consistency so I can go back to believing in you as a major piece of our next championship team.

Thanks bud.

[PosImpos]

Jackie MacMullen, as always, with the brightest, most insightful, and best inside look at the issue we're all talking so much about:

http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/7645973/rajon-rondo-turns-boston-celtics-shuts-jeremy-lin

That's right, 20 assists -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson numbers. And 17 rebounds -- Larry Bird-type stats. It was the 17th triple-double of Rondo's career (including playoffs), and I'm guessing it will not stun you to learn that 13 of them, including Sunday's game, were broadcast on national television.

I know what you are thinking. Why does Rondo need Jeremy Lin or trade rumors or All-Star snubs to perform this way? Why can't he play like his reputation depends on it every single night?

Few NBA players bring it every game, but Rondo plays with at least one of them: Garnett. He has the model right before him, if only he can look past his stubborness, moodiness and deep, often destructive, pride.

Those "off" nights are why his name can't be placed on that "untouchable'' list reserved for the very elite in the league. Talent is a gift, but consistency is an acquired trait.

The kid is making strides, but he's not there yet. He still gets caught up in the mano-a-mano moments that often come back to bite you. His courtside manner still grates on his teammates at times, as it did Sunday when he kept chirping at Brandon Bass until his exasperated teammate turned and said, "Shut the [expletive] up!" Rondo, expressionless, merely turned away.