Can Rondo Shoot Now?

[wahz]

Rondo can indeed hit the wide open mid-range jump shot with some decent consistency. It'll go away if he starts taking it more, though.

honestly if he developed a jumper he could hit when he is open, what is the other team going to try to do...guard him??? there is no way its a better choice to get up on him. if they do that he is going to lacerate everyone

[cman88]

if guys start playing close up on rondo, he can just drive by them for the layup.

[CelticSooner]

If Kidd can develop a jumper no reason Rondo can't. His shooting has come around this season. Hopefully that continues the next couple of seasons.

I want to see Rondo become a better free throw shooter above all though. He can rack up fouls with ease.

[Senninsage]

He can hit a mid range jumper ok, but statistically he's not a good shooter.

A good player dictates his own stats by putting in the work necessary. If Rondo puts in the time and focus to improve that jump shot of his, then the stats on his shooting will be meaningless in very short order.

[ManUp]

A mid-range jumper, Yes. Nobody hits well contested shots consistently so lets not try to hold that against him. His problem is and always has been with confidence and willingness to take the shot. Where he really needs to work though is on his free throw shooting.

[GranTur]

The difference between 60% and 80% is exactly 1 point on 5 free throw attempts per game, which is what Rondo averages in the postseason.

The free throw thing is overstated. It only makes a huge difference in the last minute of a ballgame, and the Celtics are experienced enough to get it in the right people's hands.

[Big_Dave31]

Honestly, isn't it fair to say that Rondo is the best PG in the game in this 2nd half of the season?  The way he's been running this team, wow, I am super impressed with him in this stretch.

Who cares if he can't shoot as good as a CP3 or Steve Nash?  The way he is doing everything else, its amazing to watch.  I for one am enjoying the ride.

[Atzar]

The difference between 60% and 80% is exactly 1 point on 5 free throw attempts per game, which is what Rondo averages in the postseason.

The free throw thing is overstated. It only makes a huge difference in the last minute of a ballgame, and the Celtics are experienced enough to get it in the right people's hands.

I think it means more than that, because it changes the way he plays the game.  If he were an 80% shooter at the stripe, then I think you'd see him attack the rim and get fouled a lot more than he does, rather than trying these Horse-style spinshots off the top of the backboard to try to avoid the shotblocker. 

He's good at drawing contact; we've seen him do it.  He could get to the line ten times per game if he wanted.  But he doesn't, and I'm convinced that it's because he's afraid to shoot free throws after getting fouled. 

[OsirusCeltics]

Its so hard for a guy with big hands to shoot the ball effectively
Just ask Shaq and Wilt

But like said already, if Kidd developed a deadly jumpshot, so can Rondo

[GranTur]

The difference between 60% and 80% is exactly 1 point on 5 free throw attempts per game, which is what Rondo averages in the postseason.

The free throw thing is overstated. It only makes a huge difference in the last minute of a ballgame, and the Celtics are experienced enough to get it in the right people's hands.

I think it means more than that, because it changes the way he plays the game.  If he were an 80% shooter at the stripe, then I think you'd see him attack the rim and get fouled a lot more than he does, rather than trying these Horse-style spinshots off the top of the backboard to try to avoid the shotblocker. 

He's good at drawing contact; we've seen him do it.  He could get to the line ten times per game if he wanted.  But he doesn't, and I'm convinced that it's because he's afraid to shoot free throws after getting fouled. 

Rondo can certainly draw contact but he uses his quickness not his strength to do it. If Rondo were to force 10 FTA per game, he'd be physically demolished. It's not like Rose who has the more stocky build to absorb contact--Rondo is considerably smaller.

5 FTA is respectable for a facilitating point guard who has Pierce and KG to make plays with.

Rondo gives up his body when he plays at 110%. That's why he injured his back in the Magic series in 2010. It's bound to happen when he's completely aggressive.

[kozlodoev]

Its so hard for a guy with big hands to shoot the ball effectively
Just ask Shaq and Wilt

Or Garnett. Or Dirk. Or Gasol.

This is a lame excuse. Stop it already.

[celtics2]

Rondo can indeed hit the wide open mid-range jump shot with some decent consistency. It'll go away if he starts taking it more, though.

Well, it won't be open any more. If he keeps hitting, people will contest like Wade did.

What game was it that Rondo was triple teamed, but it was one of the last few games.  If he keeps it up, he might see more of those.

40% would do it. That's exactly what we need. Rondo to hit some so the defense doesn't collapse everytime downcourt. Especially opens up KG.

[CelticsFanNC]

  I have nothing to back this up other then what I have observed. 

  I believe when the Celtics get out into the open court it raises Rondo's confidence because in the open court is where he thrives.  When his confidence is high he takes jumpers without hesitation and generally makes them.

  When we get stuck in the mud, playing exclusively half court offense, Rondo' isn't doing what he does best and teams back way off of him.  In those situations he doesn't hit his jumper nearly as often.

  It's all about playing aggressively early in games, getting stops and getting into the open court.  When the Celtics do that Rondo seems capable of accomplishing just about anything.

[rickyfan3.0...]

Rondo has taken some steps this year. He has gotten better all around. He is pretty complete. He is much more consistent now.

[2short]

Honestly, isn't it fair to say that Rondo is the best PG in the game in this 2nd half of the season?  The way he's been running this team, wow, I am super impressed with him in this stretch.

Who cares if he can't shoot as good as a CP3 or Steve Nash?  The way he is doing everything else, its amazing to watch.  I for one am enjoying the ride.

oh the potential he has to be really great