Well... first... we're all ranking Rondo high, because of his assists, right? That's a statistical thing. It has a lot to do with our system and his role. That said, it's a fantastic statistical achievement. Let's take a look at who the top point guards were this year... statistically. Personally, I'm still a sucker for the efficiency rating. It's simple, uses traditional stats, Larry Bird used it and my fantasy basketball league bases their scores on it. Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks ... subtract turnovers, missed shots and missed free throws. Here's the top statistical point guards this year:
#1 - Chris Paul: 24.5
#2 - Russell Westbrook: 20.5
#3 - Derrick Rose: 20.4
#4 - Deron Williams: 19.4
#5 - Rajon Rondo: 19.3
#6 - Steve Nash: 18.8
#7 - Ty Lawson: 18.6
#8 - John Wall: 18.2
#9 - Kyrie Irving: 17.7
#10 - Kyle Lowrie: 17.5
So statistically speaking, Rondo was in the top 5 this year (up from #8 last year thanks to his huge assist numbers). If we're asking who I'd take right now if I were starting a team from scratch to compete IMMEDIATELY, my personal rankings would probably look like this (pretending that Rose isn't battling major injuries):
#1 - Chris Paul
#2 - Derrick Rose (had a bad season due to injury. I think he's overrated, but I have to go with him here. He was #1 last year statistically)
#3 - Deron Williams (tough situation in Jersey. He's traditionally been seen as 1b to Paul's 1a on the point guard rankings. Even with those garbage teammates in Jersey he proved he's still that talented. He's arguably above Rose depending on who you put next to him. Elite point guard.
#4 - Rondo (based on my Celtic bias and my Celtic bias alone, I take Rondo 4th. I might be better off taking Westbrook, though)
#5 - Westbrook (he's too good)
If, however, we're asking who I'd take to build around long-term... I might jump Kyrie Irving up to #4. What he did at age 19 was RIDICULOUS. Shoot... If we're factoring in his rookie contract, I probably favor him to Deron as well... I'd stick him 3rd.