Here is the definitive commentary on Rondo, after which you can go ahead and lock this thread.
I am on record as one that thinks Rondo is overrated. That for every guady statistic associated with his name, there are also some negative linked to Rondo that aren't captured by stats. The bias in how many view Rondo is associated with the habits of many to counts the obvious stats while ignoring what isn't captured as conclusively.
Would I say that this team is better without Rondo? I would not go that far. Afterall, he IS a talent that can do many things that others on the team simply cannot do. His plus stats absolutely mean something. But I don't think the void he has left will be as large as some would think.
What I would say with some degree of certainty is that this team would be better if they were able to secure a big man for Rondo in a trade. That is, that is a third option down the line.
Obviously it might depend on what comes in return. I feel like most fans feel it has to be a star. The reality, unfortunately, is that I don't think many GM's around the league view Rondo that highly. DA knows this. He has been trying to sell high for the last few years but nobody is biting.
If any of the trade rumors are true, how many other true stars would receive seemingly a little interest as Rondo has? If the best ten players in the league were put on the market, teams would be lining up to trade for them. But not for Rondo.
So in the end, I am not saying we are better without Rondo. I just think the Celts would be significantly better if they could pick up a another talent in return for him.