Rajon Rondo Traded To The Mavericks.

[pac213up]

I thought it was pretty obvious to me he was trolling. He had a half smirk on his face.

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I didn't see any video, but that's definitely in Rondo's wheelhouse.

And far from the first time. You can see how many people eat it up though. Kind of hilarious.

[exculpatory]

Classic Rondo last night.

Career long horrifically embarrassing offensive flaws hidden by very good offensive teammates.
2 points on 1-13 dead eye shooting
Ran team well & put up double double in assists & rebounds

DA did the little cop-out an enormous favor trading him to Dallas & the little sharpshooter knows it!
And good **** riddance!

[ILC]

The only thing that is "horrifically embarrassing" is your cherry picking and hatred. Last night Parsons was 2-11, Dirk and Monta 6-16. Dallas won with terrific defense and rebounding in key moments, led by Rondo and Tyson.

Before Rondo got there, how many games did they win scoring under 100 points? That's right, ZERO.

Danny did him a favor, I agree, by trading him to the Mavs. He put him in a position to succeed, where he can once again make the difference with his defense, passing and big plays in big moments.

They dropped a little bit on offense but improved DRASTICALLY on defense with Rondo. He's once again back to perfect execution in crunch time. Zero TO's in deciding moments so far.

[soxfan2003]

Sounds strange but I blame the media and some Celtics fans more than Rondo going off track in Boston more than Rondo himself. (I am not saying Rondo is blameless.)

Rondo was responding to a lot of uninformed people who overrated his triple doubles. I suspected Rondo would play better in Dallas -- he really had nowhere to go but up -- but I also suspect the amount of "triple doubles" he gets with the Mavs to be much less than he was getting with Boston.

Dallas is a good test for Rondo since if he can play at 90% of his former peak level and concentrate his efforts on where Dallas needs help(read perimeter defense against the elite WC PGs) and Dallas stays relatively healthy, Dallas has a chance to win the NBA championship with a little luck and perhaps an upgrade to their bench. SA or Golden State would be my pick to win the west if I knew that they would be healthy but both teams could easily have key players hurt for the post season.

Right now Rondo with Dallas has a PER of 15.6 and TS% of .448%. (I expect the strength of Dallas' offense to increase Rondo's TS% even more)
With Boston this year Rondo had a PER of 15.1 and TS% of .422%

Rondo's "talent level" due to age/injury is not what it once was but from what I can gather he is playing closer to a style of play that I have advocated for several years. The last time Rondo averaged less assists per 100 possessions was 2007-8.

While capable of great offensive games, Rondo has never been a very good offensive player by starting PG standards and he isn't even a good offensive player now by starting PG standards but he was once a legitimately great defender at the PG position. And even post ACL, when motivated he is a major defensive upgrade over the starting PGs Dallas has had recently. Rondo does have more defensive talent than he has shown in Boston the last few years. And he is showing more of it with Dallas. Rondo's defensive rebounds going down is a sign that he is actually spending a little more time guarding players on the perimeter and less time worried about triple doubles.

I don't agree with Rondo's own opinion that he wasn't playing defense in Boston but instead of playing defense at let's say a 90% effort level which is all I would expect out of ANY PG playing his minutes during the regular season NBA grind, he was perhaps playing it at a 75-80% effort level.

[Slartibartfast]

Classic Rondo last night.

Career long horrifically embarrassing offensive flaws hidden by very good offensive teammates.
2 points on 1-13 dead eye shooting
Ran team well & put up double double in assists & rebounds

DA did the little cop-out an enormous favor trading him to Dallas & the little sharpshooter knows it!
And good **** riddance!

Ex - just imagine how much you would have freaked out if somebody trashed Pierce on his way out like this and take the higher road. We suffered enough of the Rondo debates - they don't need to be reignited.

[The_Ghost_of_JB]

Well first off Ainge didn't trade Rondo there so he could succeed, he did it because they offered the best deal. Had the sixers offered a better deal, well Rondo would be a sixer right now.

Also, we all know how flawed Rondo is. He cannot shoot (unless he is playing against the Celtics apparently) but does so many other things to help a team win. Like I said before he is not a player to build around but he is PG you want on your team if you have established players on it.

Lastly Slartibartfast is 100% correct. Had someone posted that about PP a 10 paragraph essay from Ex would be incoming telling us how great PP is, how underappreciated he is followed by all his stats and accomplishments since 1999.

[mwhis21]

The board went down hill when Ex started PP vs Rondo debates night in and night out. The board started to get better the minute he stopped posting and became a Nets fan, now Wizards fan.

On a side note: The irony that PP will play out his career in DC most likely. Ex lives in DC.

[darrendaye]

As grandpa used to love to say, "do as I say, not as I do"

[laploutocratie]

Have some respect for Rajon man. For all of his flaws, he served our team well through our ups and downs. It's unfortunate that some people just have the need to trash people once they're not on their side anymore. That's a terrible approach in general for your societal life.

[soxfan2003]

The only thing that is "horrifically embarrassing" is your cherry picking and hatred. Last night Parsons was 2-11, Dirk and Monta 6-16. Dallas won with terrific defense and rebounding in key moments, led by Rondo and Tyson.

Before Rondo got there, how many games did they win scoring under 100 points? That's right, ZERO.

Danny did him a favor, I agree, by trading him to the Mavs. He put him in a position to succeed, where he can once again make the difference with his defense, passing and big plays in big moments.

They dropped a little bit on offense but improved DRASTICALLY on defense with Rondo. He's once again back to perfect execution in crunch time. Zero TO's in deciding moments so far.

Dallas with Rondo so far has played what turns out to have been a soft part of their schedule. On paper it certainly wasn't a soft part of their schedule but SA without their 6 best players(Leonard, Manu, Duncan, Parker, Splitter, Green). Dallas also played Cleveland without Lebron/Varejao and OKC without Durant.

Dallas really only impressive win with Rondo was over Washington at home. Beating Washington is to be expected since Dallas is more talented but beating them by 27 points is impressive. Given that context and playing some bad teams including our beloved Celtics, it would be a real bad sign if the Mavericks were not taking advantage.

Ex gives credit to parts of Rondo's game but just points out the obvious flaws. I actually think Ex perhaps gives too much credit to Rondo's passing. The less Dallas can get away with Rondo not running the offense, IMHO the better Dallas will be on offense. Rondo playing like old man Kidd on offense but with a few more drives and better defense is what I would be hoping for if I was a Mavericks fans. And other than Golden State, Dallas will actually be the WC team I root for the most this post season.

Once the entire season plays out, I certainly expect the Mavericks to perform "noticeably worse" on offense with Rondo on the team than they did before but "significantly better" on offense. After 5/6 games that was the trend, Dallas I believe reversed their offensive demise under Rondo because they got to take advantage of some bad teams.

Mavericks have an extremely short window and this year is the best shot they have unless they somehow replace Dirk with a superstar. I expect them to try to make another trade for bench help before the trading deadline if JO does not work out.

I would not be shocked if Dallas wins it all this year but it will take a huge series somewhere along the way by Dallas in which nearly everyone plays close to their peak. The Mavs without Chandler/Parsons/Rondo took SA -- granted not playing well -- to 7 games last year which is obviously much more than what the Miami Heat were able to manage.

[exculpatory]

1. The board went down hill when Ex started PP vs Rondo debates night in and night out.

2. The board started to get better the minute he stopped posting and became a Nets fan, now Wizards fan.

3. On a side note: The irony that PP will play out his career in DC most likely. Ex lives in DC.

1. I RARELY posted PP VS RR debates. I have ALWAYS posted that they are vastly different players with vastly different skill sets with vastly different career accomplishments. You seem to be confused. Many many many many MANY other posters initiated & perpetuated the vast bulk of the endless/innumerable Rondo threads - especially after Paul & KG were gone. At least 90% of my posts over many years dealt with Paul ONLY (without a mother freaking word about Rondo) - & were almost always backed by cold hard stats.

2A. Too bad you feel that way about my contributions to this board over many years. Come to think of it, your innumerable posts reacting to people criticizing Rondo were like clock work & very amusing.

2B. Sorry to disappoint you. Have been a Celtics fan for decades & still am. My interest in the rebuild has been revitalized now that Rondo is finally gone. Until 6/2016, I will simultaneously root for Paul to perform well, have PO success & move up the NBA All Time Scoring Lists for "Total Points" (approaching #15 All Time in ~10-15 games) & "Made 3s" (approaching 2000 & #3 All Time in ~10-15 games).

3. Yeah. Ironic & AWESOME. I bought a 10 game season package via my GF's company. Watching Paul play well (13 PPG on 46% & 38% & 58% TS%) & mentor a very competitive young team has been very enjoyable.

Happy New Year, Matt. I love you also.

[exculpatory]

Classic Rondo last night.

Career long horrifically embarrassing offensive flaws hidden by very good offensive teammates.
2 points on 1-13 dead eye shooting
Ran team well & put up double double in assists & rebounds

DA did the little cop-out an enormous favor trading him to Dallas & the little sharpshooter knows it!
And good **** riddance!

Ex - just imagine how much you would have freaked out if somebody trashed Pierce on his way out like this, and take the higher road. We suffered enough of the Rondo debates - they don't need to be reignited.

Fair enough, Slart. Point made.

However, aside from my admittedly unnecessary/potentially inflammatory final sentence, what did I do besides pointing out typically horrible shooting, outstanding game management/rebounding/assisting & the fact that he should be thankful that Danny put him on a team where he can potentially play to his strengths?

Small sample size, but Rondo is making Dallas better. At the end of the day, however, Dallas goes as far as Dirk takes them - & just as Truth is not the real Truth any longer, Dirk is not the real Dirk any longer.

[mwhis21]

Happy New Year, Ex! Welcome back? IF you're back now that Rondo is gone.

[exculpatory]

1. Dallas' really only impressive win with Rondo was over Washington at home.

2. Ex gives credit to parts of Rondo's game but just points out the obvious flaws.

3. I actually think Ex perhaps gives too much credit to Rondo's passing. The less Dallas can get away with Rondo not running the offense, IMHO the better Dallas will be on offense. Rondo playing like old man Kidd on offense, but with a few more drives and better defense is what I would be hoping for if I was a Mavericks fans.

4. Once the entire season plays out, I certainly expect the Mavericks to perform "noticeably worse" on offense with Rondo on the team than they did before, but "significantly better" on defense.

5. Mavericks have an extremely short window and this year is the best shot they have unless they somehow replace Dirk with a superstar. I expect them to try to make another trade for bench help before the trading deadline if JO does not work out.

Thoughtful post as usual, Soxfan.

1. They clobbered them.

2. True.

3. Interesting & I agree.

4. Agree.

5. Totally agree. Father Time as expected has already somewhat diminished Dirk.

[exculpatory]

1. Well first off Ainge didn't trade Rondo there so he could succeed; he did it because they offered the best deal. Had the Sixers offered a better deal, well Rondo would be a Sixer right now.

2. Also, we all know how flawed Rondo is. He cannot shoot (unless he is playing against the Celtics apparently), but does so many other things to help a team win (when he chooses to really bring it).
Like I said before, he is not a player to build around, but he is a PG you want on your team if you have established players on it.

3. Lastly Slartibartfast is 100% correct. Had someone posted that about PP, a 10 paragraph essay from Ex would be incoming telling us how great PP is, how underappreciated he is followed by all of his stats and accomplishments since 1998.

1. Maybe, but I think Ainge was trying to do Rondo a favor as well.

2. Your partially bolded sentence in paragraph #2 Is VERY accurate. I have posted this comment exactly MANY times. It was one of the primary reasons Ainge moved him. The prospect of adding 2-3 established stars/studs to the current Celtics for Rondo to support was/is basically ZILCH.

3. True. And every word I would have written about this first ballot HOFER/Celtic legend (who will retire with more career points than Hondo & who is one of the most clutch players of his generation) would have been 100% true & statistically supported.

Happy New Year, Joey!

[GuyClinch]

Have some respect for Rajon man. For all of his flaws, he served our team well through our ups and downs. It's unfortunate that some people just have the need to trash people once they're not on their side anymore. That's a terrible approach in general for your societal life.

Try using your head a little bit - don't be a dumb fan. Rondo clearly was playing at low effort levels here - not caring about winning or losing - mostly trying to amuse himself but getting triple doubles. Reminds me of Wilt who decided for one year he was going to rack up assists.

Some guys have a strong sense of entitlement - and don't give a **** half the time. Rondo was one of those guys. There are ALOT of NBA players like that - I'd say most guys. You don't root for them though - just like you don't really root for Rasheed Wallace even though he was tremendously talented.

I root for guys who leave it out on the court and bring it every single night. I like guys who sacrifice individual glory for team glory. If scoring more hurts your triple double chances - then so what - score more if it helps the team. Rondo has never been a team first guy. People were confused because he racked up assists but assists are just like any other stat - they aren't always team first stats. Sometimes your team needs scoring.

If fairness to Rondo - he was probably play at 50 - 70 percent capability most nights. I don't think Green is doing much better in that regard. Like I said there are LOTS of guys like that in the NBA.

[Captain_Caveman]

At least 90% of my posts over many years dealt with Paul ONLY

Not to jump in here, but this part made me LOL.

[SichtingLives]

Mike Gorman pretty much told Tommy to stfu about Rondo already on the broadcast last night. Mike is a wise man.

[djFan71]

I root for guys who leave it out on the court and bring it every single night. I like guys who sacrifice individual glory for team glory. If scoring more hurts your triple double chances - then so what - score more if it helps the team. Rondo has never been a team first guy. People were confused because he racked up assists but assists are just like any other stat - they aren't always team first stats. Sometimes your team needs scoring.

If fairness to Rondo - he was probably play at 50 - 70 percent capability most nights. I don't think Green is doing much better in that regard. Like I said there are LOTS of guys like that in the NBA.

I agree, but man, when Rondo did bring it in the big games, he was a marvel to watch. He was so locked in and competitive and could do things on the court only 5-10 players in the league could - if that even - at his peak. But, like they say availability is the best ability, and TV Rondo \ Headband Rondo \ Playoff Rondo wasn't able to be available on a consistent basis. The fact that we even have those terms tells you that. A lot of times there were reasons, injuries, etc, but a lot of the times there weren't - Tue night in Utah's not an excuse. I was hoping this year with the chance to be the clear leader, and low 30s minutes (granted still working his way back from ACL) we would see him more engaged more consistently, but it just didn't happen. Though, he had his moments this year, and I think people are exaggerating the "no effort" theme a little (not necessarily you, but comments in general). But those moments weren't consistent enough.

That said, I can't help but love watching the guy play and wishing the best for him and hope he gets it together on a consistent basis. Definitely Dallas and WAS are my 2 teams to watch in the playoffs. (Unless we sneak into an 8th seed). Though, I like Memphis too.

[JohnB]

Have some respect for Rajon man. For all of his flaws, he served our team well through our ups and downs. It's unfortunate that some people just have the need to trash people once they're not on their side anymore. That's a terrible approach in general for your societal life.

Try using your head a little bit - don't be a dumb fan. Rondo clearly was playing at low effort levels here - not caring about winning or losing - mostly trying to amuse himself but getting triple doubles. Reminds me of Wilt who decided for one year he was going to rack up assists.

Some guys have a strong sense of entitlement - and don't give a **** half the time. Rondo was one of those guys. There are ALOT of NBA players like that - I'd say most guys. You don't root for them though - just like you don't really root for Rasheed Wallace even though he was tremendously talented.

I root for guys who leave it out on the court and bring it every single night. I like guys who sacrifice individual glory for team glory. If scoring more hurts your triple double chances - then so what - score more if it helps the team. Rondo has never been a team first guy. People were confused because he racked up assists but assists are just like any other stat - they aren't always team first stats. Sometimes your team needs scoring.

If fairness to Rondo - he was probably play at 50 - 70 percent capability most nights. I don't think Green is doing much better in that regard. Like I said there are LOTS of guys like that in the NBA.

Wow, the Rondo hate is incredible.