Rondo: "I haven't played defense in a couple of years..."

[2short]

Here's the full quote:

What has it meant to Rondo to have such a defensive impact on Mavericks? Defensive numbers have been fantastic with him.

I haven’t played defense in a couple of years. I’ve been able to hide it a lot with Avery Bradley on the ball. He’s helped me out, the young guy. But here they expect me to play defense. And in the West, if you don’t play defense you’ll get embarrassed every night at the point guard position. I took it as a challenge (for) myself. It’s not just me. It’s my teammates. Our communication is getting a lot better and our coverages are getting better. So it’s the whole team concept, it’s not just me. Obviously people are going to look at the stats and say, ‘Since Rondo’s came there, they’re down seven or eight points or whatever defensively.’ But we still have a lot of room to improve and I believe we’ll still get better defensively.

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/01/rajon_rondo_discusses_return_t.html

That doesn't say a lot about Rondo's professionalism, or Stevens' ability to hold his players accountable.  Obviously, Rondo isn't the only one loafing, but if people kill Lebron for saying that he's in "chill mode", then Rondo deserves the same scorn.

To the surprise of nearly everyone involved, once you get the context the quote isn't nearly as agitational as the tweet would make it seem.

Shocking stuff.

Apparently, though, most responders seem to be completely ignoring the full context.

Again, shocking stuff.

Sure, it's not as bad with the context added, but it's still pretty ridiculous. He's basically saying he didn't put effort into that side of the ball because Bradley was there to cover for him.

Yeah, I actually think the context makes it worse.  When the context was unclear, you could think of reasons why not playing D could be acceptable.  For instance, he could have been coached that way, similar to how Avery was coached to tone down his D a bit.

But, that's not what the quote says.  Rather, it says that Rondo just wasn't playing D, because he could hide behind Avery.  That's not good.

Yep, I don't understand how people want to give him a pass on this when it wouldn't fly in any other circumstance.  Basically, he was saying he didn't play defense because he didn't have to, which just shows laziness, lack of leadership, and a lack of motivation.

That's not how I understood it.  My understanding was that he was asked about his defensive impact in Dallas, and he then compared it to his last couple of seasons in Boston, basically saying that he has more responsibility being asked to guard the opposing teams' primary ball handlers on a nightly basis for the Mavs.  In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one. 

He may not have worded it well, but I don't think he was coping to laziness, lack of leadership, and lack of motivation.

agree and i think he also meant to compliment Avery

[kozlodoev]

This may have already been pointed out but Stevens is seeming more and more like a pushover. The fact that Rondo can come out and say this like it's no big deal, makes me wonder if Stevens ever demands anything from his players.

Well, Stevens will apparently never pull a player for taking bad shots or missed assignments on defense (not that I have seen, at least). Instead, he can pull a player randomly for no apparent reason at just about any time, and give the minutes to his backup.

exactly because he's more concerned that everyone gets their minutes. He wants to make everyone happy.

I'm sure Brandon Bass is ecstatic that he's playing 6 mpg.  Someone must tell Stevens this is not high school.

[the_Bird]

This may have already been pointed out but Stevens is seeming more and more like a pushover. The fact that Rondo can come out and say this like it's no big deal, makes me wonder if Stevens ever demands anything from his players.

Well, Stevens will apparently never pull a player for taking bad shots or missed assignments on defense (not that I have seen, at least). Instead, he can pull a player randomly for no apparent reason at just about any time, and give the minutes to his backup.

exactly because he's more concerned that everyone gets their minutes. He wants to make everyone happy.

...  and he's trying to keep Danny Ainge happy, too.  Gotta keep playing guys if you're going to trade 'em, you know?  Time to pare the roster down and make guys earn their playing time. 

[kozlodoev]

In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one.

The last time when Bradley guarded the primary ball-handlers while Rondo was on the floor must have been 2011 or 2012.

[kozlodoev]

This may have already been pointed out but Stevens is seeming more and more like a pushover. The fact that Rondo can come out and say this like it's no big deal, makes me wonder if Stevens ever demands anything from his players.

Well, Stevens will apparently never pull a player for taking bad shots or missed assignments on defense (not that I have seen, at least). Instead, he can pull a player randomly for no apparent reason at just about any time, and give the minutes to his backup.

exactly because he's more concerned that everyone gets their minutes. He wants to make everyone happy.

...  and he's trying to keep Danny Ainge happy, too.  Gotta keep playing guys if you're going to trade 'em, you know?  Time to pare the roster down and make guys earn their playing time.

I'm a little unsure: when he tried to start Nelson, was that about keeping Nelson happy, keeping Ainge happy, or field the best lineup? Because it's kind of hard to make the argument for either case.

[hpantazo]

In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one.

The last time when Bradley guarded the primary ball-handlers while Rondo was on the floor must have been 2011 or 2012.

I'm guessing Avery Bradley's response will be: "Wait, that's not true, I mean, I haven't played defense the last two years either"

[AidaCelt]

I've just watched the whole interview and Rajon was highly respectful throughout the interview towards Boston fans, his former and new teammates, DA, the organization etc. I took this comment as being an "on-ball" defender. No disrespect to BS or Boston intended at all.

We love to look for things that sometimes just aren't there and I believe this is one of those times. Give the guy a break.

[Eja117]

Nobody on the Celtics outside Avery has played defense in 3 years. Neither have the 76ers lately.

I hope you're trolling us, because this might be the most asinine comment I've ever read on this blog lol  Smart routinely plays the best defense on our team. He is EXCELLENT at fighting through screens, court awareness, help D, and staying in front of his man. What team have you been watching?

I didn't mean this year so much. Smart puts out effort. That's about it. Where are the rebounds? Where are the blocks? .1 blks per game. 1 whole steal per game. Whoop de doo.

He's a guard.... And those types of defensive stats are misleading... So because Rondo has better rebounding and block numbers he's a better defender than SMart? Get out of here...

Rebounds are one of the most important parts of defense.  Smart gets a lot less. I just don't buy at all this idea of Smart as the already elite nba defender. I suppose he might be the best on the team, might bring the best effort, and might have the best tools, but he has a ways to go and I want to see more before I give him a defense crown.

[jpotter33]

They sometimes say a gaffe is when a politician accidentally tells the truth.  This is kind of a basketball gaffe; lots of players coast heavily on D in the regular season, including guys better than Rondo.  And I have no doubt in some cases it's because coaches are telling them their role is primarily offensive (no idea if that's the case here).  But just like a political gaffe, it's a pretty dumb thing to come out and say, given how fans and the media tend to react.

Yeah, I think this hits the nail on the head. I originally thought it was a Freudian slip of some kind, and he's really going to reget it later.

[the_Bird]

This may have already been pointed out but Stevens is seeming more and more like a pushover. The fact that Rondo can come out and say this like it's no big deal, makes me wonder if Stevens ever demands anything from his players.

Well, Stevens will apparently never pull a player for taking bad shots or missed assignments on defense (not that I have seen, at least). Instead, he can pull a player randomly for no apparent reason at just about any time, and give the minutes to his backup.

exactly because he's more concerned that everyone gets their minutes. He wants to make everyone happy.

...  and he's trying to keep Danny Ainge happy, too.  Gotta keep playing guys if you're going to trade 'em, you know?  Time to pare the roster down and make guys earn their playing time.

I'm a little unsure: when he tried to start Nelson, was that about keeping Nelson happy, keeping Ainge happy, or field the best lineup? Because it's kind of hard to make the argument for either case.

I don't think he knows what to do.  Too many players who are just barely good enough (or think they are) to justify a spot in the rotation.  But, he's got about eight different things that he's trying to accomplish, or being told to accomplish.

Gotta give minutes to the young guys; they've got to play if they're going to improve

Gotta try and win some games; can't have credibility as a coach if you can't win any games

Gotta showcase some of the veterans so that maybe you can squeeze an extra conditional second-rounder out when you trade 'em

Gotta keep the players happy; gotta prevent a mutiny

Trying to serve too many masters.  The rotations need to be simplified, and the players who play the way they are expected to play need to get the minutes.  Consistent minutes and consistent roles. 

[Celtics18]

In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one.

The last time when Bradley guarded the primary ball-handlers while Rondo was on the floor must have been 2011 or 2012.

This is flatly false. 

[RJ87]

Yeah, I actually think the context makes it worse.  When the context was unclear, you could think of reasons why not playing D could be acceptable.  For instance, he could have been coached that way, similar to how Avery was coached to tone down his D a bit.

But, that's not what the quote says.  Rather, it says that Rondo just wasn't playing D, because he could hide behind Avery.  That's not good.

Yep, I don't understand how people want to give him a pass on this when it wouldn't fly in any other circumstance.  Basically, he was saying he didn't play defense because he didn't have to, which just shows laziness, lack of leadership, and a lack of motivation.

That's not how I understood it.  My understanding was that he was asked about his defensive impact in Dallas, and he then compared it to his last couple of seasons in Boston, basically saying that he has more responsibility being asked to guard the opposing teams' primary ball handlers on a nightly basis for the Mavs.  In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one. 

He may not have worded it well, but I don't think he was coping to laziness, lack of leadership, and lack of motivation.

My sentiments as well - I think, as he has for most of his career, lacked a certain eloquence with the media. It's kind of like the introductory press conference where he was asked about having to learn a new playbook in such a short period of time and he said something along the lines of "I've practiced more in the past day than I have all season" and people had the pitchforks ready.

Btw, can we get a separate thread with as much vigor about all of the complimentary things he said in that same interview about Boston and the fans?

[jpotter33]

Nobody on the Celtics outside Avery has played defense in 3 years. Neither have the 76ers lately.

I hope you're trolling us, because this might be the most asinine comment I've ever read on this blog lol  Smart routinely plays the best defense on our team. He is EXCELLENT at fighting through screens, court awareness, help D, and staying in front of his man. What team have you been watching?

I didn't mean this year so much. Smart puts out effort. That's about it. Where are the rebounds? Where are the blocks? .1 blks per game. 1 whole steal per game. Whoop de doo.

He's a guard.... And those types of defensive stats are misleading... So because Rondo has better rebounding and block numbers he's a better defender than SMart? Get out of here...

Rebounds are one of the most important parts of defense.  Smart gets a lot less. I just don't buy at all this idea of Smart as the already elite nba defender. I suppose he might be the best on the team, might bring the best effort, and might have the best tools, but he has a ways to go and I want to see more before I give him a defense crown.

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck.... lol

[kozlodoev]

In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one.

The last time when Bradley guarded the primary ball-handlers while Rondo was on the floor must have been 2011 or 2012.

I'm guessing Avery Bradley's response will be: "Wait, that's not true, I mean, I haven't played defense the last two years either"

Incidentally, neither 2011 nor 2012 were part of the last two years

[jpotter33]

Yeah, I actually think the context makes it worse.  When the context was unclear, you could think of reasons why not playing D could be acceptable.  For instance, he could have been coached that way, similar to how Avery was coached to tone down his D a bit.

But, that's not what the quote says.  Rather, it says that Rondo just wasn't playing D, because he could hide behind Avery.  That's not good.

Yep, I don't understand how people want to give him a pass on this when it wouldn't fly in any other circumstance.  Basically, he was saying he didn't play defense because he didn't have to, which just shows laziness, lack of leadership, and a lack of motivation.

That's not how I understood it.  My understanding was that he was asked about his defensive impact in Dallas, and he then compared it to his last couple of seasons in Boston, basically saying that he has more responsibility being asked to guard the opposing teams' primary ball handlers on a nightly basis for the Mavs.  In Boston, on the other hand, that responsibility was given to Avery Bradley, making his own job an easier one. 

He may not have worded it well, but I don't think he was coping to laziness, lack of leadership, and lack of motivation.

My sentiments as well - I think, as he has for most of his career, lacked a certain eloquence with the media. It's kind of like the introductory press conference where he was asked about having to learn a new playbook in such a short period of time and he said something along the lines of "I've practiced more in the past day than I have all season" and people had the pitchforks ready.

Btw, can we get a separate thread with as much vigor about all of the complimentary things he said in that same interview about Boston and the fans?

By itself, no, his comments don't come off as admitting to that stuff.

When combined with the eye test of seeing him constantly lack motivation, energy, and leadership on the defensive end, then, yes, they do justify that interpretation of his quote.