Rondo's Ceiling

[ARB729]

How good is this kid gonna get? You would be crazy to say he hasn't improved amazingly over the last three months. So just how good is he gonna be?

[The Corey's]

Still cant shoot the ball that well and misses a few lay ups that drive me nuts.

but the rebounding typically makes up for it.

[wigglestrue]

WTF? He can shoot the ball well, dude. From midrange, anyway. That he's turned maybe the worst jumpshot belonging to an NBA PG into a solid weapon in just one year...that says a lot about his talent and diligence. I'd expect him next season to extend that solid range out beyond the arc, and then, well, watch out. His ceiling, IMO, is unspeakable...because if I posted what I really felt, it would sound ridiculous.

[darrendaye]

Pay attention to his shooting during closing second situations, when it doesn't go down it's always close.

[wigglestrue]

Pay attention to his shooting during closing second situations, when it doesn't go down it's always close.

Exactly. Even when he misses they're usually rattling in-and-out or a bit long or a bit short etc. And many of his makes are pure swishes. Last year his misses were far more erratic bricks, and his makes were rarely swishes.

[TheCelticTruth]

ive always said i saw rondos ceiling as being very high, due to his defense, rebounding, and athleticism, if his offense continues to improve... its high...he works very hard

[MalReyn]

I'd say his ceiling is about Tony Parker. He'll never be a great shooter, but he can get good enough that he's no longer a liability.

I already see a lot of similarities in their games, though obviously Parker is a step above. We'll be extremely lucky if Rondo can hit that level.

[wigglestrue]

I'd say his ceiling is about Tony Parker. He'll never be a great shooter, but he can get good enough that he's no longer a liability.

Again: WTF? He's already not a liability.
And if he can make such progress in a single year...
Why can't he become a great shooter?

I already see a lot of similarities in their games, though obviously Parker is a step above. We'll be extremely lucky if Rondo can hit that level.

Extremely lucky is really overstating things.

[sully00]

I am a huge Rondo honk and I am blown away. I figured he would have more assists than he has but his scoring has been a surprise. I had doubts that his shot would ever look this good.

You can make an argument based on his overall impact on the game the kid is a top 10 pg right now. He may be on the outside but he is in the discussion. Obviously there is going to be an influx of talent at the position next season but I think if he can continue to develop his game, and he gives almost no sign that he won't, he will be a guy who hovers between the Top 10 and All Star status but is also a guy who is more valuable to his team than maybe he is regarded by fans and the league.

[Andrew McCeltic]

What keeps Rondo a notch below Chris Paul & Deron Williams?

[humblebum]

With Chris Paul, Rondo simply is a lesser player but they are closer in terms of impact than most people think. Clearly though, Paul is the better, more sound player at this point and likely will always be.

With Deron Williams I think it comes down to what he did in College, when he was drafted, and his performance in last years playoffs. I think Rondo can get right up to Deron's level or even above it as Rondo gets closer to his peak level but Deron simply has more big-time exposure and is more proven. Also Deron Williams is more of a "traditional" type PG with his shooting skills and passing, so more average fans will take notice of the things he does whereas Rondo is more of a stat stuffer who impacts the game across the board with rebs, blocks, steals, deflections, full court pressure, etc.

[wigglestrue]

What keeps Rondo a notch below Chris Paul & Deron Williams?

Right now? Time, opportunity, role, confidence. Not talent.
In the future? Nothing.

[GuyClinch]

Rondo's is really on a roll right now. He has been all-star caliber since KG went down. He is realizing his upside... If he could learn to shoot he would be top 3.

Pete

[billfromBoston]

...Rondo will take longer to get national recognition for his talent I believe because he will be playing with GPA for at least 2-3 more years...the balance of talent and the lack of need for Rondo to dominate offensively will depress his stats and keep him statistically below his actual impact threshold...

...but in time, based off the development I've seen from year one to year two its hard to put much of a cap on his potential...its also hard to predict where he could develop to as a player because he is only a 2nd year player and really has only put together an 11 game resume of consistent, top-flight performances...

right now he looks like a lock to be a top 10 pg in this league, but he could become the BEST pg in the league, or he could even out as an Andre Miller level pg who is top 10, but not a franchise player (remember, at one point Miller was thought to be on his way to elite status himself, after his 12+ asst/gm season in Cleveland)

In another couple of years it will be clear where he is heading, right now the only thing that can be said is that the team doesn't need to look for a starter any time soon, they've got that for sure...

[Scalamental]

What keeps Rondo a notch below Chris Paul & Deron Williams?

Right now? Time, opportunity, role, confidence. Not talent.
In the future? Nothing.

I love Rondo, but your giving him way to much credit on his shot. Definitely has improved this year, but doesn't have a three or a jumper from a few feet in to keep the defense honest.

It is arguable that he doesn't need the consistent shot because he's so quick but, IF he could hit the three, and IF he could step back and make big shots off the dribble, he'd be right up there with DWilliams and CP3.

IMO, he doesn't have to be DWilliams or CP3 for us to win a championship. CP3 and Deron need to score on their teams because they ARE the big 3 or 2 or whatever the eff they consider themselves. All Rondo has to do is play defense, control the ball, and play with no ego, as a second year player <------- That's special. He's a special player.

[wigglestrue]

I love Rondo, but your giving him way to much credit on his shot. Definitely has improved this year, but doesn't have a three or a jumper from a few feet in to keep the defense honest.

Did I not specify midrange? Pretty sure I did. And if "jumper from a few feet in" means the outer limits of midrange, then dude you're wrong. He's improved his midrange shot at least to the point where one can say he has a midrange shot, one that extends to a few feet inside the arc.

[GuyClinch]

He still hesitates on perfectly good mid-range shots as well as three point shots. Whether he can make them or not is immaterial if he is unwilling to shoot them.

Pete

[bruno sundov]

who has the clip of rondo's dunk in the 4th last night????

[wigglestrue]

He still hesitates on perfectly good mid-range shots as well as three point shots. Whether he can make them or not is immaterial if he is unwilling to shoot them.

Pete

That's true, but he can make them.

[CelticsWhat!]

who has the clip of rondo's dunk in the 4th last night????

Check out NBA.com's daily top 10. I think it's #7.