POLL: Smart or Rondo?

[playdream]

When healthy Rondo has shown to be the better player right now. Once Rondo comes back I would bring Smart off the bench, bringing him along slowly. Learning under Rondo can only help Smart.

Except gambling defense, pounding the ball and slow down the offense, only go all-out in big games, shooting, (and maybe, uncoachable attitude) , yes

[Kadin]

This is such a stupid thread. 

Rondo is our starting PG. Unless he comes back and sucks, he will remain our starting PG.

[Birdman]

Rondo by a wide margain!! Smart isn't in Rondo category yet

[clover]

I'm glad Smart is getting this early starting experience, and I'll be glad when we see Rondo showing how well he can fit into Stevens's new system. If the C's trade Rondo midseason, I'll be fine with that. If re-signing Rondo comes with their bringing in a veteran center who can help them win next year, that'll be fine too.

I don't worry about Stevens robbing Smart of sufficient playing time once Rondo returns.

About the only thing I'd worry about would be Rondo not fitting in and them signing him to a honking max extension this summer without otherwise being able to construct an instant contender. Except I don't think Danny would fall for that.

All is good.

[wdleehi]

Option C:  Rondo is the PG.  Smart is the SG.  When Avery is in, he is the SG and the other guy is the PG. 

[greece66]

This is such a stupid thread. 

So, this means you prefer Smart?
(Sorry, couldn't resist the silly pun)

[gar]

When healthy Rondo has shown to be the better player right now. Once Rondo comes back I would bring Smart off the bench, bringing him along slowly. Learning under Rondo can only help Smart.

Except gambling defense, pounding the ball and slow down the offense, only go all-out in big games, shooting, (and maybe, uncoachable attitude) , yes

Nice! No one says that Rondo can't learn from Smart.

[Asher77]

Re run this poll close to the trade deadline, that's the only time it will make sense. We get to see Smart play some actual games and Rondo as well. We will get to see them co exist as that is the best case scenario. We have been a good team with Rondo at PG, he deserves some loyalty and a chance to buy into Brad's offense while healthy.

[greece66]

Re run this poll close to the trade deadline, that's the only time it will make sense.

You are right in that now RR has to get playing time whether Ainge plans to keep him long term or trade him. Still, many people are already making the case in other threads and in the blog that Smart> Rondo and (precisely bcs I think otherwise) I d like to hear their arguments.

[Vermont Green]

Even if we trade Rondo, I would prefer to see Smart come off the bench all season.  I think that would be best for his long term development.  There is no need to have him lose confidence because he was thrown out there before he was ready.  I also do not want to see him playing SG.  I think learning one position is enough.  Let him get that down and maybe in the future he goes combo but I really see his future as a PG so let him play PG.

I see downside to rushing him but I see no downside to pacing development and exposure.  Let him beat up the second team and hone his PG skills.

[mmmmm]

Re run this poll close to the trade deadline, that's the only time it will make sense.

You are right in that now RR has to get playing time whether Ainge plans to keep him long term or trade him. Still, many people are already making the case in other threads and in the blog that Smart> Rondo and (precisely bcs I think otherwise) I d like to hear their arguments.

Judging by the poll results, "many people" is actually just a tiny (though very vocal) few.

Seems like the majority of CelticsBlog respondents are not quite in their camp yet.

[SHAQATTACK]

Prefer to KEEP Rondo IF

He seriously commits to UP TEMPO fast paced ball .....lots of attacking offense .....no drag tail walking down court ..wasting time .....letting the opponent set up their D and rest.

I agree with Tommy ....Celtics can't pound the ball and waste time .

Run and fast break

If Rondo walks up court ...trade him and let Smart play.

[greece66]

Judging by the poll results, "many people" is actually just a tiny (though very vocal) few.

Eight is more than enough to have a meaningful conversation, and in any case truth is not a majority question - that there is such a wide variety of views within the team's fun base is IMO a great thing.

[2short]

When Rondo comes back, he's the guy.  Veteran, established PG or promising rookie?  I'm going with the established former all star PG. 

Keep both, though.  I see no reason to move either.

agreed, rondo is the starter easily (funny to read some of the rondo haters thoughts )
I really like our three guard rotation of rondo, smart, bradley
and four guard add turner or thornton

we have a deep team
I'd expect some trades during season, probably a sg and pf to open up minutes but I would assume that both smart and rondo are here

[Gari]

Prefer to KEEP Rondo IF

He seriously commits to UP TEMPO fast paced ball .....lots of attacking offense .....no drag tail walking down court ..wasting time .....letting the opponent set up their D and rest.

I agree with Tommy ....Celtics can't pound the ball and waste time .

Run and fast break

If Rondo walks up court ...trade him and let Smart play.

THIS.

I really like the ball movement now that's seen in the last two preseason games. We got a whole bunch of people who can really pass the ball, esp. the big men. If Rondo persists on playing his pounding the ball style, I don't think he is really into the system that Brad's looking for and trading him might be a better choice.

I LOVE Rondo but he really needs to adjust his style of play in order to carry this team to another level.

Btw I hope he can feel the pressure to play better defense after seeing how amazing smart and AB are defending opposing backcourts.