Celtics Morning Joe: Hollinger "Rondo is either great or horrible at nearly everything"
| Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:35 AM |
Hollinger Profile: Rajon Rondo
"One of the league’s most unique players, Rondo is either great or horrible at nearly everything, producing wildly divergent viewpoints as to his overall value. In the same season, he was passed over in favor of Luol Deng for the All-Star team and named on eight MVP ballots…
The general consensus was that Rondo’s defense slipped a bit last season, that he gambled too much and his effort wavered. While opposing point guards mustered just a 10.9 PER against him, Boston gave up more points with him on the court, and his foul rate was so low (barely one every 20 minutes) that it supported the idea that he was saving himself for the offensive end. His steals rate was also a career low, although still well above par for his position.
Hollinger loves stats, and Rondo dipped on defensive stats, but did Hollinger watch every Celtics game? No he didn't, and did most of us watch every single minute, and every single second? Yes, most of us did. Honestly Rondo played great defense, can he improve? Of course, but Rondo hasn't lost his defensive mojo. Rondo's critics will attack him because they don't understand why he is so good. People want him to score like Paul, Rose, and Williams. But Rondo controls the game like a supernatural force. I'm not worried about Rondo's defense, and Rondo is great at something. He's a leader, and the best play maker in the game.
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8 Comments
It will be that way forever I think.
But it doesn't matter as long as he is a Celtic and we can understand his real value
paul says...
I"m actually shocked that this is controversial. Rondo is still a great defender, yes. But there were times last year when opposing guards blew by him at will, and it was part of the reason we couldn't rebound the ball effectively. That will change this year. It's not a knock on Rondo. But bringing the D up to the level of his Offense is the next by Text-Enhance"step.
I blame it on the lockout, even though Rondo was a young guy. I think later in the season Rondo picked his defense up. This team just reminds me of the bad boy Pistons.
Franklin says...
I blame it on the lockout, even though Rondo was a young guy. I think later in the season Rondo picked his defense up. This team just reminds me of the bad boy Pistons.
But I think it's also that, quite naturally, he was focusing on offense. He had to do that. Shifting back to defense is the next step. It seems that simple to me. I agree wholeheartedly about the Pistons comparison - only we'll be better!
paul says...
But I think it's also that, quite naturally, he was focusing on offense. He had to do that. Shifting back to defense is the next step. It seems that simple to me. I agree wholeheartedly about the Pistons comparison - only we'll be better!
No one ever develops in a straight line.
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