RAJON RONDO! For those who still dont believe!

[Celtic#9]

I seem to remember Clippers being labeled as contenders to start the season and certainly labeled as a better team than the Celtics.

They finished with a better record than the C's. Heck at the halfway point, half the NBA seemed better than the Celtics. They were serious contenders, in my opinion, until Billups went down. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have an Avery Bradley to pick it up like we did when Ray went down.

Now all of a sudden they were too young, Chris Pauls first year there, Paul and Griffin played injured, their coach sucks, Billups got.injured. just a lot of excuses.

Which part of that isn't true? You think us Celtics fans weren't making excuses? Jeff Green was out. Avery wasn't there. Ray was hurt. Paul's knee hurt. Sound familiar?

Yeah im sure Paul would be great with dwight howard and kobe but there's really no arguememt for his team success on the floor. Might as well leave that out of the discussion unless you want to praise other guys who's teams don't do.anything

I don't even know what this means. Are you saying because he doesn't have a title he isn't as good as Rondo? When the C's won Rondo was the worst starter on the team. Simply an average player that season.

[bucknersrevenge]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

I also agree that Rondo may save himself as well but I feel like the "consistency" argument went away during the 2nd half of last season. After KG switched to Center and AB joined the lineup the team took off and so did Rondo and those 2 were a key factor because they helped the team get so many easy transition opportunities. Rondo saves himself because he has to go 1 on 4 on the fastbreak every 5th time down the court, at least in the past anyway. With 2 guys capable of running it made for more opportunities for Rondo to do what he does best. And it's hard to be more consistent then what, 24(?) games in a row with double digit assists? I think this season with a team that is even more built around him and coming off his performance in the playoffs IMO, that consistency argument is gonna go away for good this season.

[CelticsFan9]

IIRC, Keyon Dooling once said he told Rondo to stop going so hard(diving on the ground, driving so hard to the hoop, etc.) because his body wouldn't hold up for the playoffs.

Just an interesting perspective as to why Rondo may not play so hard in every game.  You know he loves Keyon and probably took this to heart.

[CelticG1]

I seem to remember Clippers being labeled as contenders to start the season and certainly labeled as a better team than the Celtics.

They finished with a better record than the C's. Heck at the halfway point, half the NBA seemed better than the Celtics. They were serious contenders, in my opinion, until Billups went down. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have an Avery Bradley to pick it up like we did when Ray went down.

Now all of a sudden they were too young, Chris Pauls first year there, Paul and Griffin played injured, their coach sucks, Billups got.injured. just a lot of excuses.

Which part of that isn't true? You think us Celtics fans weren't making excuses? Jeff Green was out. Avery wasn't there. Ray was hurt. Paul's knee hurt. Sound familiar?

Yeah im sure Paul would be great with dwight howard and kobe but there's really no arguememt for his team success on the floor. Might as well leave that out of the discussion unless you want to praise other guys who's teams don't do.anything

I don't even know what this means. Are you saying because he doesn't have a title he isn't as good as Rondo? When the C's won Rondo was the worst starter on the team. Simply an average player that season.

To address your points:

What did they finish 1-2 games above us in regular season (yay regular season!!) and then peed themselves in the playoffs. Yeah avery bradley stepped up aka Rondo certainly helped Bradley step up. And again with the Billups injury...

Clippers clearly had a much deeper team than us Keyon Dooling and Pietrus were playing huge minutes for us.

My point about team success is that people making arguments with what Paul has done with his teams is just not a good argument. Basically he's willed his team to 8th seeds and and a playoff victory here or there. If you are going to put Paul on a pedestal at least use an argument not based around team success or lack there of

[celticmania]

Rondo is the best post-season point guard. that is when he elevates his game, and that is when it really counts.

[Celtic#9]

To address your points:

What did they finish 1-2 games above us in regular season (yay regular season!!) and then peed themselves in the playoffs. Yeah avery bradley stepped up aka Rondo certainly helped Bradley step up. And again with the Billups injury...

Take out our 3rd best player and replace him with Randy Foye for 2/3 of a season. And once again. Didn't we also make excuses and complain about how we weren't healthy?

Clippers clearly had a much deeper team than us Keyon Dooling and Pietrus were playing huge minutes for us.

I see your point although I will point out Pietrus was no garbage timer, that's why he didn't sign here for the vet min.

My point about team success is that people making arguments with what Paul has done with his teams is just not a good argument. Basically he's willed his team to 8th seeds and and a playoff victory here or there. If you are going to put Paul on a pedestal at least use an argument not based around team success or lack there of

But has Paul had other stars on his team? I don't know this for a fact but isn't this year the only year he played with another player voted to the All Star game in the same year? Also, if I can quote you earlier "regular season yay!!" who cares if they get an 8 seed right? I mean if the regular season doesn't matter?

[KevinConnor]

Fantastic player, lousy person!

[lightspeed5]

i dont see how someone can call someone lousy when they dont even know them personally. you only know what the media portrays him as.

[Jon]

Should Rondo play hard every game?  Absolutely. 

However, we all have to admit it's human nature to take mental days off from work every now and again, especially when we're well aware that it's not a particularly important day.  This isn't me defending him.  I think given what he's being paid he should supersede human nature.  However, it shouldn't be a surprise for anyone that this happens with athletes.

To compound this problem, for the past four years Rondo has essentially "come into his own" in an environment where the regular season has had very little value.  We've seen the whole team, including the Big Three, coast through very large parts of the season to "turn it on in the playoffs."  And quite frankly, it's worked pretty well. 

So it shouldn't be a shock to anyone to see Rondo following suit. 

The good news is that with the depth this team has--assuming it's not absolutely ravished by injuries--players should be able to keep their minutes down and thus go all out for the minutes they do play. 

And I can see this even with Rondo.  I think Doc can keep him down around 34-35 mpg with the presence of Terry.  As awesome as Rondo is, let's not forget some of the success we've had with great shooters like House at the 1 spot, given the way they open up the floor for everyone else.  Terry should be able to do all that and more, which should comfort Doc enough to keep Rondo's minutes under control during the regular season. 

[CelticG1]

To address your points:

What did they finish 1-2 games above us in regular season (yay regular season!!) and then peed themselves in the playoffs. Yeah avery bradley stepped up aka Rondo certainly helped Bradley step up. And again with the Billups injury...

Take out our 3rd best player and replace him with Randy Foye for 2/3 of a season. And once again. Didn't we also make excuses and complain about how we weren't healthy?

Clippers clearly had a much deeper team than us Keyon Dooling and Pietrus were playing huge minutes for us.

I see your point although I will point out Pietrus was no garbage timer, that's why he didn't sign here for the vet min.

My point about team success is that people making arguments with what Paul has done with his teams is just not a good argument. Basically he's willed his team to 8th seeds and and a playoff victory here or there. If you are going to put Paul on a pedestal at least use an argument not based around team success or lack there of

But has Paul had other stars on his team? I don't know this for a fact but isn't this year the only year he played with another player voted to the All Star game in the same year? Also, if I can quote you earlier "regular season yay!!" who cares if they get an 8 seed right? I mean if the regular season doesn't matter?

I really don't know what you are arguing. Im also shocked that you think foye was their 3rs best player.

And seriously Pietrus? He was pretty terrible last year. He wouldn't sign the vet min with us or more likely we probably didn't offer it. Does he even have a job yet?

[BballTim]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

  I still think you associate bringing it every night with scoring. Rondo's close to a lock for 10+ assists a night and most nights he does a great job of keeping whoever he guards in check. If Rondo's running the offense well and getting the other players easy shots then I'd say he's the driving force on the team and that does as much to win the game as the guy who puts the ball in the basket. Look at the first few months of the 10-11 season (when he was healthy) or most of last year, his off games are few and far between. Based on everything I saw last year, I'd also disagree that players like Chris Paul "bring it" any more of the time that Rondo does.

[Chris]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

  I still think you associate bringing it every night with scoring. Rondo's close to a lock for 10+ assists a night and most nights he does a great job of keeping whoever he guards in check. If Rondo's running the offense well and getting the other players easy shots then I'd say he's the driving force on the team and that does as much to win the game as the guy who puts the ball in the basket. Look at the first few months of the 10-11 season (when he was healthy) or most of last year, his off games are few and far between. Based on everything I saw last year, I'd also disagree that players like Chris Paul "bring it" any more of the time that Rondo does.

I really don't.  Some of Rondo's worst nights are when he is scoring.  But there are just plenty of nights where the energy is not there.  Yeah, he still racks up assists, but that doesn't mean he is playing a great game.  When Rondo is at his best, he is all over the floor.  He is causing havoc on defense, and he is breaking down the other teams defense.  But, there are way too many games where he is either just walking the ball up the court, pounding it at the top of the key, and getting caught on screens he should never be caught on defensively, or basically just playing like he is bored, and playing like its a streetball game.

While I do think his energy level tends to rise when he hits a couple shots, he has plenty of great games when his scoring is not there.

[BballTim]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

  I still think you associate bringing it every night with scoring. Rondo's close to a lock for 10+ assists a night and most nights he does a great job of keeping whoever he guards in check. If Rondo's running the offense well and getting the other players easy shots then I'd say he's the driving force on the team and that does as much to win the game as the guy who puts the ball in the basket. Look at the first few months of the 10-11 season (when he was healthy) or most of last year, his off games are few and far between. Based on everything I saw last year, I'd also disagree that players like Chris Paul "bring it" any more of the time that Rondo does.

I really don't.  Some of Rondo's worst nights are when he is scoring.  But there are just plenty of nights where the energy is not there.  Yeah, he still racks up assists, but that doesn't mean he is playing a great game.  When Rondo is at his best, he is all over the floor.  He is causing havoc on defense, and he is breaking down the other teams defense.  But, there are way too many games where he is either just walking the ball up the court, pounding it at the top of the key, and getting caught on screens he should never be caught on defensively, or basically just playing like he is bored, and playing like its a streetball game.

While I do think his energy level tends to rise when he hits a couple shots, he has plenty of great games when his scoring is not there.

  I think that the whole team goes into a funk at times, especially when people's shots aren't falling (one of the drawbacks of being a jumpshooting team I think) and that gets lumped intp "Rondo not playing with energy". But I'd also say that it's not really unusual to see similar play from Chris Paul. People here notice it more from Rondo than other players because they see (or participate in) discussions about his play and they're more tuned into the situation.

 
 

[CelticG1]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

  I still think you associate bringing it every night with scoring. Rondo's close to a lock for 10+ assists a night and most nights he does a great job of keeping whoever he guards in check. If Rondo's running the offense well and getting the other players easy shots then I'd say he's the driving force on the team and that does as much to win the game as the guy who puts the ball in the basket. Look at the first few months of the 10-11 season (when he was healthy) or most of last year, his off games are few and far between. Based on everything I saw last year, I'd also disagree that players like Chris Paul "bring it" any more of the time that Rondo does.

I really don't.  Some of Rondo's worst nights are when he is scoring.  But there are just plenty of nights where the energy is not there.  Yeah, he still racks up assists, but that doesn't mean he is playing a great game.  When Rondo is at his best, he is all over the floor.  He is causing havoc on defense, and he is breaking down the other teams defense.  But, there are way too many games where he is either just walking the ball up the court, pounding it at the top of the key, and getting caught on screens he should never be caught on defensively, or basically just playing like he is bored, and playing like its a streetball game.

While I do think his energy level tends to rise when he hits a couple shots, he has plenty of great games when his scoring is not there.

  I think that the whole team goes into a funk at times, especially when people's shots aren't falling (one of the drawbacks of being a jumpshooting team I think) and that gets lumped intp "Rondo not playing with energy". But I'd also say that it's not really unusual to see similar play from Chris Paul. People here notice it more from Rondo than other players because they see (or participate in) discussions about his play and they're more tuned into the situation.

 
 

Yeah I agree with this.

People act like every other game Rondo is dogging it. Id say the majority of the time he brings it though. Does Pierce really bring it every night compared to Rondo? I don't think so. KG might be he also plays 10 minutes less than Rondo.

There aren't many players in the league who bring it every night and I think for the most part Rondo falls into the same category as other stars and consistency and "bringing it". And if he doesn't than I don't think it is a significant difference where it is needs to be pointed out in comparison with his peers

[bucknersrevenge]

So, you guys wouldn't be happier if Rondo played the same way he plays in the postseason, during the regular season?

Or even something close?

And its not just about stats, it is clear when you watch him, that he is playing at a different speed in the playoffs (or in primetime matchups during the regular season), than he is in other games.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rondo, and I would always take a guy who shows up for the big games as big as he does over someone who is just mediocre all the time.  But, to me, it is just frustrating to watch how dominating he can be when he turns it on, and then compare it to how inconsistent he is when the lights are turned down a little.

As for the Chris Paul comparisons, I am just going to drop that, because I know that is an argument that will never be resolved on this site. 

The important thing to me is that Rondo could be more consistent than he is.  And until he does that, I will continue to want more from him.

  I don't think Rondo's body would be able to take the toll playing like that every night and still have much left for the playoffs, so I don't really want him, fopr example, going for 7-8 rebounds every night. But people here generally consider scoring to be the main sign of consistency, so Rondo doesn't appear to be as consistent as players that are first or second scoring options on their teams every night. He's been very consistent the last 2-3 years, it's just that his main contribution to the team doesn't involve shooting the ball on a regular basis.

I actually agree with this.  I think he conserves his energy to the betterment of the team.  And I think his style of play means he has to put out more energy than nearly any other player in the league, to be at his absolute best.

But I think this also is what keeps him from being (in my mind) the best PG in the league, and in the discussion for the MVP. 

I think he is absolutely in the discussion as the most dominant player when he is at his best (I put him firmly behind Lebron, but right up there with guys like Howard, Kobe, and possibly a couple others).  But he will likely always be a notch below those guys, if you value someone who can give it to you night in and night out.

And why this is important to me, is that I think you need those guys who can do it night in and night out, if they are going to be the real driving force on the team.  Rondo's routine is a perfect fit for this team, because he can get away with cruising a bit, while the other guys pick up the slack, and take turns winning games for them.  But, if you put him on a team that doesn't have a Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett, I think the cruising wouldn't work so well.  And at that point, he will have to decide between wearing himself out in the regular season, or risking not being in the offseason to turn it on.

  I still think you associate bringing it every night with scoring. Rondo's close to a lock for 10+ assists a night and most nights he does a great job of keeping whoever he guards in check. If Rondo's running the offense well and getting the other players easy shots then I'd say he's the driving force on the team and that does as much to win the game as the guy who puts the ball in the basket. Look at the first few months of the 10-11 season (when he was healthy) or most of last year, his off games are few and far between. Based on everything I saw last year, I'd also disagree that players like Chris Paul "bring it" any more of the time that Rondo does.

I really don't.  Some of Rondo's worst nights are when he is scoring.  But there are just plenty of nights where the energy is not there.  Yeah, he still racks up assists, but that doesn't mean he is playing a great game.  When Rondo is at his best, he is all over the floor.  He is causing havoc on defense, and he is breaking down the other teams defense.  But, there are way too many games where he is either just walking the ball up the court, pounding it at the top of the key, and getting caught on screens he should never be caught on defensively, or basically just playing like he is bored, and playing like its a streetball game.

While I do think his energy level tends to rise when he hits a couple shots, he has plenty of great games when his scoring is not there.

  I think that the whole team goes into a funk at times, especially when people's shots aren't falling (one of the drawbacks of being a jumpshooting team I think) and that gets lumped intp "Rondo not playing with energy". But I'd also say that it's not really unusual to see similar play from Chris Paul. People here notice it more from Rondo than other players because they see (or participate in) discussions about his play and they're more tuned into the situation.

 
 

Good point here Tim. And it's another reason why I actually expect to see him more locked in this season. I think those funks are sometimes induced by playing with guys that don't run. He grabs a rebound but he has to wait for KG, Paul and Ray to get up the floor. I think he especially coasts during those times. There's no excitement in halfcourt basketball sometimes.

But now...we got AB(when he comes back), Lee, JET, Green, Wilcox. Guys that are gonna take off with him. I think more fastbreak opportunities=more engaged Rondo from game to game.