Is Rondo still an elite defender?

[bobbyv]

We have all been frustrated with Rondo's "matador" defense, which was noticeable during the early parts of the season. Rondo used to be known as one of the best point guard defenders in the league, garnering four All-NBA defense team awards.

So which is it? Is he still an elite defender? Or a lazy defender? Or is it something in between?

Because whatever Rondo is doing, it's working. Check out his points allowed per play. 0.77 at SynergySports. It's strange to see how highly he's ranked (ranked better than Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Mike Conley, etc.)

http://www.youtube.com/v/cNxBAwgOVHM?version=3&hl=en_US

Is it possible Rondo has figured out that his style of defense (as unappealing to the eye as it may be) is almost as effective as the ball-hawk style Avery Bradley does? (who allows 0.73, ranked 15th in the league)