Read a breakdown on his shooting by Kirk Goldsberry and it had a nice analysis showing him to be above 50% at the elbows (which is fantastic). Now if he could just pick a spot or two and hit threes from there he would be very dangerous.
Yes, but that also doesn't take into account how open he is during those shots, which is obviously by design. If other PG's had the space and were dared to shoot as often as Rondo is, then there percentages would be through the roof.
You've been watching too much Steph Curry.
All Rondo needs is a knockdown jumper when he's open. Doesn't need to nail shots with 5 guys draped over him.
Along with his ability to finish at the rim and pass, he'd be deadly.
Let's not overlook the 5-14 shooting, the 6 turnovers, and the crucial one he had in the last minute to KG.
Nobody said he played a great game. Just that his shooting looks better.
Missing layups he would normally make if he weren't recovering, not knowing the team that well, this game being a reunion game...all contribute to his faults today.
It's not just about Curry, it's about every PG who has a respectable shot. You give anyone that space and their percentages will go up. It's only logical.
I realize that he's still recovering, and he'll have better English on his layups, but his biggest adjustment is that he's a pass first pg, with a suspect shot, playing on a team that lacks shooters and scorers.
But they sag off because he is such a good passer. And if he gets an open shot, he now shoots it at an elite percentage (which is a good use of any possession).
He is shooting as good of a percentage as anyone shoots from that spot on the floor. There isn't really anything else to ask of him in that regard. I just don't get your point. Rondo is punishing teams for playing him so much as a passer about as well as he can (aside from hitting threes, the point of this thread).
Read a breakdown on his shooting by Kirk Goldsberry and it had a nice analysis showing him to be above 50% at the elbows (which is fantastic). Now if he could just pick a spot or two and hit threes from there he would be very dangerous.
Yes, but that also doesn't take into account how open he is during those shots, which is obviously by design. If other PG's had the space and were dared to shoot as often as Rondo is, then there percentages would be through the roof.
He is making the shot at a great percentage. Some teams sag off Rondo and go under screens... and that is what it is. Like any smart PG with a jumper, he makes them pay.
He shoots at an elite percentage from midrange. It is what it is (a good thing).
Other teams know he shoots those jumpers now. If they start playing up more they open up the pass. I don't get why you are trying to slight him, it doesn't make sense. He is just taking the best play available and doing it at an elite level.
It's not a slight, it's being honest. Do you honestly (key word) think Rondo is an "elite" mid-range shooter? Because that's sort of what you're suggesting.
He is shooting more than 50 percent. That is elite.
I don't care what argument you are making... it is irrelevant. When Rondo is on the court, he makes more than 50% of his midrange shots.
Rondo was actually one of the best elbow shooters in the league last season. Out of 141 NBA players who attempted at least 100 shots from the elbows, Rondo ranked fourth in field goal percentage in that zone — trailing only Jason Smith, Steve Nash, and Jose Calderon. Those are pretty good numbers for a guy who can’t shoot. Per Synergy Sports, he also earned a “very good” rating for shots off the dribble, and an “excellent” rating for long 2-point jumpers.
Now am I saying he is a better shooter than Curry? No. But I don't care and it's totally irrelevant. If you leave Rondo open, he can make the shot at an elite percentage. And if you don't, he probably has a passing lane. It just makes him a more complete offensive player.
Let me know when the scouting report is to not let Rondo shoot or go under screens because he'll simply kill you from mid-range.
That just won't happen because Rondo is the best passer in the league. You play his passing first but now Rondo is equipped to punish the other team's choice again, as well as you can and making the shot a good use of a possession.
It becomes a pick your poison situation. Which is what happens with a player like Paul for example. And teams mix it up and have their methods, but mostly you just don't have an answer.
People still go under screens for LeBron. And he has become a good enough shooter to make them pay, as well. But you won't see teams now fight over picks for LeBron either.
And LeBron will take a lot of those shots because he is a smart player and has worked on his game. Rondo is doing the same.