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Marc Spears has a [url]new piece on Rondo today. http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... ?page=full

Rondo emphasizes two goals:

1. finishing in the top 5 in free throw attempts
2. making first team all-defense team

That Rondo identified these two areas demonstrated to me that he gets it. If Rondo accomplishes these goals, he will be in the top 5 point guards in the league, and the Cs will have a very good chance of playing for 18 in June. Rondo has the ability to get to the line at will, yet he rarely exploited it last year. When he plays clamp down D, the Cs play dominant defense.

Let Rajon get more range and consistency on his shot -- no, probably not much in that area this season -- along with the two points above, and we have a spcial player for the next decade. Already, we are near the point where the team seems to ahve a greater drop off when Rondo is off the floor than when one of the big three exits the game. (That may say something about our back-up pgs, but it is also a testament to Rondo's development.)

I thought that getting Rondo with the 7th pick in 2006 would be cool. I knew we would need a PG and Rondo seemed to be a difference maker and a helluva athlete. But who could have imagined such a development? Championship PG with 21? Great kid.

Stay humble and healthy, Rondo and you will be a Top 5 PG.

This team is going to live at the free throw line this season with Rondo, TA, Paul, and Powe all attacking the rim like they mad at it. Couple that with the defense and great shooting and you have all the elements to a great team. This team could win 70 games.

And yah, Rondo will be an All Star someday.

What I love the most about this team is its ferocity at attacking the basket. Give me a team of good slashers over a team of good shooters any day. Don't forget Bill Walker and (presumably) Giddens further on down the line. Getting teams in the penalty is the most underrated component of an NBA offense.

Only thing that worries me, is Rondo's durability. He's remarkably durable for his build, but I don't want him flying all over the place like he was in the first game...

yeah, i'm just afraid that his 171 lbs isn't well suited to driving the ball relentlessly. we can't afford to lose rondo for any stretch. i like the idea of taking it to the rim, but i'd prefer if he just improves his jumper...

All that stuff is just a diffrent way of playing.

He should focus on actual improvement.

Like how bout become good enough that you actually have to be defended in the playoffs?
Or maybe when you go to the free throw line you make enough of them to punish the other team?

Personally I hated seeing the Celtics have to play 4 on 5 because Rondo can't make any shot with a resonable %. If Rondo could every just become inconsistent from the 3 or slightly reliable from mid-range to where he is a threat he's be in the upper tier of PGs rather then just average.

Physically (not talent wise) Rondo was compared to Iverson before the draft, doesn't mean much I know but Iverson is a pretty durable dude for his build also. Hopefully Rondo can hold up as well.

Yes, I don't know if it's a carryover from watching Delonte west get injured again and again throwing himself into the paint but seeing rondo crash to the floor like last game,worries me.

celticfan42487 wrote:All that stuff is just a diffrent way of playing.

He should focus on actual improvement.

Like how bout become good enough that you actually have to be defended in the playoffs?
Or maybe when you go to the free throw line you make enough of them to punish the other team?

Personally I hated seeing the Celtics have to play 4 on 5 because Rondo can't make any shot with a resonable %. If Rondo could every just become inconsistent from the 3 or slightly reliable from mid-range to where he is a threat he's be in the upper tier of PGs rather then just average.

you make it sound like rondo is a detriment, and not already better than average. yeah its nice if everyone can shoot, but i like my point guards to actually play the PG position... you know like stockton or kidd. stockton could shoot sure, but kidd cant.

I'd like the finishing around the basket to improve first, but if he is driving more then it should.

1st team for D sounds like a great goal.