Jalen Rose on Rondo

[mgent]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

[Eddie20]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

How exactly do you think he'll be better playing off of Rondo? In essence you're saying Rose is wrong when he's making an observation on how their games compliment each other and you're right. Peculiar as that may be.

[FreddieJ]

Jennings has negative value, so Detroit would be giving up assets to unload him

[jambr380]

I know it has been said in this thread, but this really needs to be stated again: because Monroe signed the QO, he has no allegiance to the Celtics when the season ends - we do not have his Bird Rights and we cannot go over the cap to sign him.

There was a trade scenario going around yesterday where we would give up Green and presumably a first for Monroe and a number of people were against it. I don't see how giving up Rondo is even reasonable given that we can try to sign him in the offseason anyway.

You trade Green to try to convince Monroe that Boston is the place for him, not Rondo. This is also a pretty huge year for Monroe. If he doesn't show improvement, his salary could drop to 10-11 million rather than the max that he is commanding. I would rather be another team trying to court him at that number rather than his home team 'low-balling' him.

[Eddie20]

I know it has been said in this thread, but this really needs to be stated again: because Monroe signed the QO, he has no allegiance to the Celtics when the season ends - we do not have his Bird Rights and we cannot go over the cap to sign him.

Trading Rondo away and letting the contracts set to expire subsequently expire would give us the cap room to re-sign him.

[loco_91]

We have a worse chance of retaining Monroe than of retaining Rondo. Pass.

On the other hand, I'd love to see 3 team trade such as:
Boston sends Rondo to Det, AB to Phx
Det sends Monroe, Jennings, a 1st rounder to Phx
Phx sends Bledsoe (S&T for the max), Alex Len, and Tyler Ennis to Bos

This trade assumes Bledsoe is about to sign the Q/O, otherwise Phx would prefer to just sign him for like $13m/yr. It also assumes Bledsoe is willing to play in Boston if it means getting out of Phx and locking up long-term money. Which team says no and why?

[LooseCannon]

I know it has been said in this thread, but this really needs to be stated again: because Monroe signed the QO, he has no allegiance to the Celtics when the season ends - we do not have his Bird Rights and we cannot go over the cap to sign him.

Trading Rondo away and letting the contracts set to expire subsequently expire would give us the cap room to re-sign him.

Letting Rondo and other contracts expire would give the Celtics the same cap room, while probably giving the team more options if Monroe doesn't want to play in Boston.  Do you believe that some time with the Celtics would lead Monroe to be willing to give the team a discount because he loves the situation in Boston?

[jambr380]

I know it has been said in this thread, but this really needs to be stated again: because Monroe signed the QO, he has no allegiance to the Celtics when the season ends - we do not have his Bird Rights and we cannot go over the cap to sign him.

Trading Rondo away and letting the contracts set to expire subsequently expire would give us the cap room to re-sign him.

Letting Rondo and other contracts expire would give the Celtics the same cap room, while probably giving the team more options if Monroe doesn't want to play in Boston.  Do you believe that some time with the Celtics would lead Monroe to be willing to give the team a discount because he loves the situation in Boston?

TP - thank you for clarifying my point. Simply trading Rondo for Monroe is a lateral move, at best, and could be a lot worse if Monroe simply decides he is going to be a 15/9 player for the rest of his career while offering very little on the defensive end. Those are very good numbers, but not all-star caliber and something I think Sully is quite capable of next year.

If Rondo decides to move on next year, Green declines his option, and Danny finds a way to get Wallace off the books, then we will be in great shape to sign a player like Monroe (and others!); however, I am not willing to trade our best player [by far] for the chance that Monroe may like Boston enough to stay.

[BballTim]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

  According to nba.com he isn't among the top 80 players in the league in either time of possession or touches per game. Not the most ball dominant player you'll see. He's good at creating his shot but he's  probably capable of playing off the ball, he did a lot before this year.

[nostar]

Not sure I'm up for swapping Rondo and Monroe if Sanders is available. I'd try to string together a package around Olynyk. Maybe Oly/Bass/LAC#1 or Bass/Bogans/CLE#1. I'd be happy with either of those trades. Sanders offers the shot blocking that the Celtics haven't had along with a defensive presence. $11M/4yrs is very manageable for a productive center. He's got potential and is worth the (minimal) risk involved in moving a couple of assets for him.

The reason I bring up Sanders as a better alternative than Monroe is mostly on account of the Monroe-max-contract-rumors. I want no part of Monroe as a max player. That is a recipe for a mediocre team.

[Eddie20]

I know it has been said in this thread, but this really needs to be stated again: because Monroe signed the QO, he has no allegiance to the Celtics when the season ends - we do not have his Bird Rights and we cannot go over the cap to sign him.

Trading Rondo away and letting the contracts set to expire subsequently expire would give us the cap room to re-sign him.

Letting Rondo and other contracts expire would give the Celtics the same cap room, while probably giving the team more options if Monroe doesn't want to play in Boston.  Do you believe that some time with the Celtics would lead Monroe to be willing to give the team a discount because he loves the situation in Boston?

TP - thank you for clarifying my point. Simply trading Rondo for Monroe is a lateral move, at best, and could be a lot worse if Monroe simply decides he is going to be a 15/9 player for the rest of his career while offering very little on the defensive end. Those are very good numbers, but not all-star caliber and something I think Sully is quite capable of next year.

If Rondo decides to move on next year, Green declines his option, and Danny finds a way to get Wallace off the books, then we will be in great shape to sign a player like Monroe (and others!); however, I am not willing to trade our best player [by far] for the chance that Monroe may like Boston enough to stay.

Not necessarily. We would also be getting a #1 pick from them. Let's say we don't make the trade and keep Rondo, all it takes is one team to make Rondo an offer that is out of our price range and he walks for nothing. Bringing in Monroe fills a position of need and allows us the opportunity see if he's a good fit for our team going forward. Plus, it allows us the opportunity to sell him in on our team and culture.

Giving him around 12 million per year would be a great contract given how much the salary cap is projected  to jump by the 2016-17 season.

[Eddie20]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

  According to nba.com he isn't among the top 80 players in the league in either time of possession or touches per game. Not the most ball dominant player you'll see. He's good at creating his shot but he's  probably capable of playing off the ball, he did a lot before this year.

Rondo was 2nd in time of possession at 7.8 minutes in 33.6 mpg. Only 0.2 behind Wall despite playing 3 mpg less. So with the increase in minutes expected next year he'd likely jump to #1.

In front court touches per game, where it excludes the time of possession and when a pg bring up the ball, Rondo was 4th despite the lowered minutes. Stephenson was 68th.

So combining the amount of time they spend dominating the ball with the fact that Rondo is a poor shooter and Stephenson is streaky and average in that department, it's fair to say that the pairing would have difficulty co-existing.

This doesn't even take into account how their personalities would mesh.

[BballTim]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

  According to nba.com he isn't among the top 80 players in the league in either time of possession or touches per game. Not the most ball dominant player you'll see. He's good at creating his shot but he's  probably capable of playing off the ball, he did a lot before this year.

Rondo was 2nd in time of possession at 7.8 minutes in 33.6 mpg. Only 0.2 behind Wall despite playing 3 mpg less. So with the increase in minutes expected next year he'd likely jump to #1.

In front court touches per game, where it excludes the time of possession and when a pg bring up the ball, Rondo was 4th despite the lowered minutes. Stephenson was 68th.

So combining the amount of time they spend dominating the ball with the fact that Rondo is a poor shooter and Stephenson is streaky and average in that department, it's fair to say that the pairing would have difficulty co-existing.

This doesn't even take into account how their personalities would mesh.

  68th in front court possessions means that most teams have 2-3 players ahead of Lance in that category. He's slightly ahead of Bradley and Green n that category. I don't think that qualifies as "ball dominant".

[Eddie20]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

  According to nba.com he isn't among the top 80 players in the league in either time of possession or touches per game. Not the most ball dominant player you'll see. He's good at creating his shot but he's  probably capable of playing off the ball, he did a lot before this year.

Rondo was 2nd in time of possession at 7.8 minutes in 33.6 mpg. Only 0.2 behind Wall despite playing 3 mpg less. So with the increase in minutes expected next year he'd likely jump to #1.

In front court touches per game, where it excludes the time of possession and when a pg bring up the ball, Rondo was 4th despite the lowered minutes. Stephenson was 68th.

So combining the amount of time they spend dominating the ball with the fact that Rondo is a poor shooter and Stephenson is streaky and average in that department, it's fair to say that the pairing would have difficulty co-existing.

This doesn't even take into account how their personalities would mesh.

  68th in front court possessions means that most teams have 2-3 players ahead of Lance in that category. He's slightly ahead of Bradley and Green n that category. I don't think that qualifies as "ball dominant".

68th in front court possessions puts him 6 spots behind Wade and 10 spots behind Love and ahead of Aldridge, Gay, and M Gasol. That number is only going to ascend as he continues to improve.

[mgent]

Rose and Bill Simmons had a podcast and Simmons pitched Rose on his idea of Rondo to Charlotte. Rose said he wouldn't do it if he were Charlotte because it's a combustible situation. Rondo is a player that has the ball for 20 seconds of a possession, while Stephenson wants the ball in his hands too and neither is a good shooter.

Rose then added that he would like to see Rondo in Detroit and both agreed that a deal centered around Monroe and a #1 for Rondo would work for both teams.

Just interesting that the Rondo for Monroe deal that we've floated around was also mentioned by Rose. Love him or hate him, Rose does know the game and I respect his opinion.

Wow, that's pretty hilarious.

Jalen says the reason Charlotte wouldn't want Rondo is because their best perimeter player likes to set up other people and isn't a great shooter, but then immediately suggests Detroit, whose best player is Josh Smith.

The whole Rondo can't play with other shot creators thing that pops up from time to time is beyond ridiculous.  How does playing with Pierce and KG not completely null that argument?  I knew Jalen would make me laugh when I clicked on this thread.

1. No, he said it because Stephenson needs/wants the ball in his hands.

2. Rondo played with both KG and Pierce, but they were really good shooters and could excel at spotting up and playing off of Rondo. Stephenson isn't that type of player/shooter.

Stephenson is at his best with the ball in his hands (much like Pierce) (and on an IND team with no PG), that doesn't mean he needs the ball in his hands at all times, or that he wouldn't be better with the ball in Rondo's hands setting him up.

Stephenson is certainly no where near the level where the ball should be in his hands at the start of every possesion.  Wade is/was much closer to that level and averaged way more assists, but that doesn't mean he didn't work with LeBron (who is one of the most ball-dominant players in the league).

Nothing you've said gives evidence that Stephenson wouldn't be effective playing off Rondo.  He certainly had no trouble with all the time the ball was in George's hands, West's hands, Hibbert's, or Hill's.  Nor have you contended my actual point, which was that Josh Smith's shooting and desire to be the one creating with the ball is no different than Stephenson's.

Stephenson is more effective with the ball in his hands. He's not the type of player that "needs" the ball at all times, but he is very ball dominant and thinking he'll take a backseat to Rondo is a stretch. Part of the problem in Indiana was that Hibbert and West felt the ball should've been going inside/out like it had in previous years. This didn't happened last year as Stephenson came into his own. This is further evidenced by Stephenson leading the Pacers in assists last year at 4.6 apg, while averaging 2.9 apg, and tied with West, the season prior.

How exactly do you think he'll be better playing off of Rondo? In essence you're saying Rose is wrong when he's making an observation on how their games compliment each other and you're right. Peculiar as that may be.

Of course I think Jalen is wrong, didn't you read my post?  Someone else in this thread suggested his bias towards Detroit is probably a factor.  Since when is his opinion the objective truth?  And since when is looking at how games/styles compliment each other an objective science?

How many Pacer games did you watch last year?  They were among the Spurs and Wizards in  terms of ball-movement.  West is a top 5 PF in assists.  They went inside to Hibbert over and over in the playoffs and he was a joke.  Or are you saying "the problem in Indiana" last year was what they did during the regular season where they beat Miami and won the best record in the East?

There is no evidence whatsoever that Rondo can't play with people who like having the ball.  There is only evidence that he's really good at it (KG and Pierce definitely had the ball way more than Stephenson pre-08).