We are finally seeing the torch being passed to Rondo

[mc34]

we've been saying this since 2009, but for me, it hasn't REALLY happened until now. the biggest sign is that Doc is finally trusting Rondo enough to take control of the offense in the fourth quarter. In the past, Rondo could dominate for 3 quarters but we'd normally see the offense run through Pierce in the fourth. This postseason is really the first time we've seen Rondo coming up with huge clutch shots.

[droopdog7]

I agree, sort of.  Rondo is our best player.  But, kg may still be our most important player.

[scaryjerry]

what torch? this theory is dumb...hes been arguably the most important player for 3+ seasons

[fairweatherfan]

The whole "torch-passing" thing is more symbolic than really meaningful, but I'd say it happened in Game 7 against Philly, when Pierce fouled out and Rondo took over.

[LarBrd33]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

[cman88]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

KG/pierce/Rondo right now are our big 3...ray allen with his ankle is a role player(although thank god he looks good for 10-13ppg now.)

[CelticsFanNC]

  Part of the equation is that Pierce, Ray and KG seem to fully realize their basketball mortality.  They know they cant get where they wont to get without Rondo playing a leading role.  3 years ago they could.  They also know that Rondo is a big part of the future of the Celtic's.  They may stay around a while longer but there roles will continue to be reduced.  It's inevitable.

  The Celtic's are a TEAM.  The seem to live and breath team.  I don't know that there has been a singular alpha dog since this thing came together in 2007-08.  Where did being "the man" ever get them in their earlier careers?  Where has it gotten LeBron James?  It wont get Rondo anywhere either.  The good thing is I think he knows it after his experiences the past five years with the Big Three. 

[greenpride32]

Until Rondo can consistently hit an outside jump shot, he's still going to have to rely on others for help.  Him becoming the best player on the team is more a product of 3 old HOF players breaking down, then him becoming a HOF player himself.  Rondo seems to be getting more confident with his shot; remember in the past when he was left wide open he would always hesitate.  He'll have his nights like game 2, but then his airballs like game 3.

BTW KG was a +27 in game 3; closest other palyer was MD at +14.

[LB3533]

There was no "passing", Rondo snatched the torch in the last series.

[BballTim]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

  The team won't win if KG and Pierce play like garbage, but there's a reason people have been saying "as Rondo goes, so go the Celts" for 3-4 years. He's clearly the one that's carrying the team right now.

[BballTim]

Until Rondo can consistently hit an outside jump shot, he's still going to have to rely on others for help.  Him becoming the best player on the team is more a product of 3 old HOF players breaking down, then him becoming a HOF player himself.  Rondo seems to be getting more confident with his shot; remember in the past when he was left wide open he would always hesitate.  He'll have his nights like game 2, but then his airballs like game 3.

BTW KG was a +27 in game 3; closest other palyer was MD at +14.

  No player wins without help. KG's playing great, but his +/- stat is somewhat related to the 2nd and 3rd string centers being out for the year with injuries.

[LarBrd33]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

  The team won't win if KG and Pierce play like garbage, but there's a reason people have been saying "as Rondo goes, so go the Celts" for 3-4 years. He's clearly the one that's carrying the team right now.

Agree to disagree.  I still think it's interesting that Boston tends to get the job done even when Rondo has DNP (most recently Game 2 of the Atlanta series) in part due to Pierce stepping up.  Since Rondo became an allstar, we have a 22-13 record in games that Rondo misses games... a 10-11 record when Pierce misses games.  Alternatively, Rondo can have the greatest game of his entire career... go for 44 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds... and it still doesn't guarantee a win.  I think Rondo is a fantastic player, but I still say this team goes only as far as KG and Pierce takes it.  If they are on their games... we are very tough to beat.  

[Celtics18]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

  The team won't win if KG and Pierce play like garbage, but there's a reason people have been saying "as Rondo goes, so go the Celts" for 3-4 years. He's clearly the one that's carrying the team right now.

Agree to disagree.  I still think it's interesting that Boston tends to get the job done even when Rondo has DNP (most recently Game 2 of the Atlanta series) in part due to Pierce stepping up.  We have a winning record in games that Rondo misses games... a losing record when Pierce misses games.  Alternatively, Rondo can have the greatest game of his entire career... go for 44 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds... and it still doesn't guarantee a win.  I think Rondo is a fantastic player, but I still say this team goes only as far as KG and Pierce takes it.  If they are on their games... we are very tough to beat.  

This team needs all three of those guys to have any chance of getting any further than they already are. 

This argument about who is the MVP, and who we can do without, is getting sillier and sillier.  We are a team, not anywhere near being a one man show.  That's how the game of basketball should be. 

[BballTim]

i still say the team only goes as far as KG and Pierce takes them.

  The team won't win if KG and Pierce play like garbage, but there's a reason people have been saying "as Rondo goes, so go the Celts" for 3-4 years. He's clearly the one that's carrying the team right now.

Agree to disagree.  I still think it's interesting that Boston tends to get the job done even when Rondo has DNP (most recently Game 2 of the Atlanta series) in part due to Pierce stepping up.  Since Rondo became an allstar, we have a 22-13 record in games that Rondo misses games... a 10-11 record when Pierce misses games.  Alternatively, Rondo can have the greatest game of his entire career... go for 44 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds... and it still doesn't guarantee a win.  I think Rondo is a fantastic player, but I still say this team goes only as far as KG and Pierce takes it.  If they are on their games... we are very tough to beat.  

  So if we have a good record when KG gets a DNP, does that mean that he's not as valuable as the other players?

  Also, while that wasn't the greatest game of Rondo's career, it was well greater than anything KG's capable of at this point. And if either PP or KG had played really well in that game we'd have won. Maybe if PP could "step up" more often or KG could help carry the team a little more...

[LarBrd33]

All this talk about passing torches, though... I'm a little curious... has Pierce himself made any comments to suggest this is Rondo's team now?  I know KG has, but KG is just that kinda guy.  This team has been Garnett's since he arrived in 2008, but he always pretended like Paul Pierce was the "man" here out of respect and to prevent any ruffled feathers.  KG is the ultimate teammate.  Pierce kept the "captain" badge and continued to be the last player announced.   Pierce is the kinda guy who tries to convince himself he's the greatest player in the world.  I always assumed that was a motivational thing... to be one of the best you have to have confidence that you are the best.  

Has Pierce officially "passed the torch" to Rondo yet or does he still believe (tell himself) this "his" team?