Making the Case: Rajon Rondo
With the NBA season now concluded, there’s nothing left to do except theorize what could happen in free agency.
For me, it’s mostly been about the Celtics, as that’s all that I really think about. I honestly couldn’t care less about the rest of the league. (Side note, if you say that you “could care less” you’re saying it wrong and are part of the problem)
If there’s one thing that the C’s need to figure out this fall, it’s got to be their bench. In the playoffs, the bench struggled to maintain momentum; they were missing a playmaker to get things moving and to pick the right passes. I like Brad Wanamaker, but if there’s on knock on him it’s got to be his vision. There were so many times that he was running a fastbreak and made the wrong play.
Boston needs someone that’s going to be able to come into the game and make plays, push the pace, and be a difference maker.
Enter Rajon Rondo.
Rondo was traded from Boston in early 2015 and has really been a journeyman ever since. He’s played for five teams since being dealt and hasn’t exactly been the same player since. However, the one time he always seems to shine is in the playoffs. Playoff Rondo is a thing for sure, just use this season as an example. He had some big moments in the unfortunate Lakers title run.
The Celtics were lacking someone to make a difference off the bench this postseason. It’s probably why they fell to Miami. They were unable to maintain leads really throughout the final two rounds and it was so annoying. Rondo would bring the quality of veteran “leadership” and be able to keep everyone calm. I guarantee you that if he was a part of this team, the Celtics would’ve held on to at least a few of those leads. Rondo has to be one of the smartest guys in the league and would be an on court coach for the guys when things go a bit sideways.
Another very intriguing aspect of a Rondo return would be his ability to mentor the younger players. He’s won two titles now, one in Boston and one in LA. He can teach guys like Tatum and Brown what it takes to win a title, what it takes to win in Boston. Players like Kemba Walker and Tremont Waters can learn a lot from the veteran point guard as well. His high IQ is something that the other two Boston guards can benefit from immensely. Imagine Rondo helping Kemba improve his distribution or being a mentor for Tremont Waters.
The last piece that makes this great is the story. Imagine that. Rondo returns to where it all started for him after winning a title with the rival franchise. Imagine if he comes back and wins a title. What does that do for his legacy? Does he get his jersey retired? Is he able to cement himself among the Celtic greats?
