Rondo

[tmorgan]

It's the IF there that's scaring zeeb and everyone else (like me) that has doubts.

Rondo is a seriously weird player. I love the guy. I just don't see how Rondo/KCP/anybody/Smith/Drummond could possibly score points on a consistent basis.

[russkopp]

I don't see Rondo fitting on this team anymore. The whole league knows we can't shoot so why would we trade for another player that can't shoot? Rondo was great when surrounded by Hall of Fame perimeter players and one of the best PFs ever. Throw an injury into play along with a team that can't shoot and most likely Singler starting at the 3...I just don't see it.

That being said, every day when I wake up and see no trade rumors involving the Pistons I die a little inside.

[whitehops]

That's interesting, how are Garnett, Pierce and Allen doing without him? I believe he extended their primes a couple years.

ray allen is still in shape and injury free and he is playing great basketball in Miami.

[Blkbrd671]

If Rondo is available, why wouldn't the Pistons make a run for him? With the talented bigs on the Pistons roster, Rondo seems to be an ideal fit. I would think that his perimeter defense and ability to distribute would make them an immediate contender.

1.) coming off a major injury, questions if he's the same player

2.) if he is the same player, can he thrive not being surrounded by HOF

3.) Rondo's incredibly ball dominant, is that what we need?

4.) Do we really want another player who can't spread the floor

5.) Defensively rondo is lackluster at times and even more head case than jennings.

6.) what about what we've seen from jennings so far even makes Rondo a need?

[Jackattaq]

Ughh afflalo is in every damn thread. He isnt that good. Please stop. Hes getting paid like 8mil a year for numerous seasons. Hes worth like 5. We could get someone maybe not as good, but fairly close for 5mil in the offseason. Wait for that.

Rondo is so good, and would love to have him, but the problem isnt ball movement, that has been very good actually. The problem is making shots, and defense. Rondo is a good defender, but offensively his lack of a jumpshot might create as many problems as his great passing and overall game fixes. Considering what would be needed to give up to get him, it needs to be a huge leap better than jennings rather than just the smaller one i imagine seeing.

You could say just get the best players on the floor, but you do have to consider the fit and try and complement the other players. As its set up now, you dont do it, but if you give up on havingthe 3 bigs, then it actually might be a really good fit to have a pure point with drum/monroe at the 4/5. (Smith is apart of the trade) and then you have capable shooters at the 2 and 3. All of a sudden that is a another identity that can win playoff games.
Rondo/KCP/?(trade jennings for)/monroe/dre. That is something that wouldnt be too bad, and a more conventional lineup, but it wont happen as its just way too early to trade both smith as jennings already. Let this current team continue to come together and panic later.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums mobile app

If you can find a 22.4 ppg scorer on 49% FG and 46% 3pt FG with 4.4 rebs and 4.2 asts per game for ONLY 5 MIllion this coming off-season, I"M HIRING YOU TO BE THE GM YESTERDAY. Really? Have you seen what Afflalo has done so far this year? He's been playing at an all-star level, let me know the last ALL-STAR that only made 5 Million per?

[Blkbrd671]

If you can find a 22.4 ppg scorer on 49% FG and 46% 3pt FG with 4.4 rebs and 4.2 asts per game for ONLY 5 MIllion this coming off-season, I"M HIRING YOU TO BE THE GM YESTERDAY. Really? Have you seen what Afflalo has done so far this year? He's been playing at an all-star level, let me know the last ALL-STAR that only made 5 Million per?

look AA history , does it really indicate he's going to do this all season? just because he's doing it now, does'nt mean he's that player

[DetroitSho]

If you can find a 22.4 ppg scorer on 49% FG and 46% 3pt FG with 4.4 rebs and 4.2 asts per game for ONLY 5 MIllion this coming off-season, I"M HIRING YOU TO BE THE GM YESTERDAY. Really? Have you seen what Afflalo has done so far this year? He's been playing at an all-star level, let me know the last ALL-STAR that only made 5 Million per?

look AA history , does it really indicate he's going to do this all season? just because he's doing it now, does'nt mean he's that player

Yeah its reminiscent of OJ Mayo last year or that year Flip Murray was going crazy in Seattle early in the year. Although I do think Afflalo is better than both.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

[sc8581]

Jennings is asked to handle the ball a ridiculous amount in the pistons' system, it's only natural that he's going to be turning the ball over as well.

the pistons as a team are better than average in turning it over, and when you look at who else is handling the ball you'll see that having the ball in jennings' hands to start the offense makes sense. I think we can all agree that KCP shouldn't be running many plays and stuckey is primarily scoring off the bench, I don't even know if he is capable of playing PG effectively for long stretches. this team is incredibly shallow with guards so naturally Jennings takes on a huge burden when it comes to playmaking. I think he has been doing a good job.


Jennings has been doing a good job in getting the ball to his teammates in good positions, he's running the pick and roll, initiating the offense in transition, etc. he could probably cut down on some of his turnovers but to say that is a big problem with the team right now is just ignorant.


PS please no rondo talk. crazy how overrated he is.

That's interesting, how are Garnett, Pierce and Allen doing without him? I believe he extended their primes a couple years.

Absolutely doesn't matter. He is coming off an injury, and he has to prove he is the same player. Its exactly the same as Rose in my book. I wouldn't trade a sack lunch for him right now.

Would I want a prime time Rondo over Jennings? Yes. When you figure in what we have to give up to get him, and the risk of him NEVER coming back to what he was, its a no starter, period.

I'm not by any means saying we should trade for him before he actually plays, I thought that would go without saying. I'm not even saying he's a great fit for this team or that I want to trade for him, I was simply talking about just how good he was when he was healthy.

[DonVitoReturns]

I'm not saying Bynum would be better....I'm saying if he had his minutes he'd likely have as many assists per game as Jennings...he'd probably turn the ball over more too. Bynum isn't the answer.

I don't have a solution...I think Dumars and Gores, with the playoff now mandate, went out and got an extremely flawed PG who admittedly will help them win more games against not so good teams in a bad conference.

He will help them accomplish their goal of making the playoffs this year. He will have his short flashes of brilliance, he will have sporadic great games from a stats perspective.

But he's not a starting PG on an elite team unless you've got superstar talent around him (lots of it) to help distribute the ball, cover up his defensive woes, etc.

You can't change history, but I can lament the fact that Dumars/Gores gave up some flexibility (low salaries) and a player who is looking to have very good potential (Middleton) for this stop-gap measure.

If the Pistons are going to win it again someday - and with Drummond I'd like to think that chance exists - it will not be with Jennings as the starting PG.

And as a long-time fan, I can continue to express my dissatisfaction with Jennings until the day comes when he can be pawned off on someone else or dumped entirely.,..because there probably is no solution for him right now.

If you like him as a PG, well have fun.

Nicely done. My point, in acting like a forum asshat, was that when we got Billups, he was a very flawed player, that a lot of people did not like. It took time for him to grow into the unreal floor general, and finals MVP he eventually became. Jennings has almost the exact same pedigree that Billups had in coming to Detroit.

All I am saying to you, and others in Piston land, is to wait. It mean exactly ZERO what he did previously in the league. This team is insanely talented in comparison to the horrid Bucks he came from, and its a whole new system. It takes time, and guess what? That's on his side, as he is only 25 years old. A full year, and we will know pretty much who he has become.

All I know is that besides some bad turnovers, the past few games Jennings has controlled the tempo on the floor, and has ran the team pretty damn good. Everyone who just hates him, to hate him, can continue that if they wish, just be rational about it, and admit he is already different then when he was in Deerpocolypse.

That, is a fact.

I remember that Billups was unliked at first. I was not in that group. I did like Billups right from the start (of course there's no way I can prove that). Thinking back, I think the difference for me has to do with fundamentals. Billups FG % wasn't good, but his shots were USUALLY taken when he was legitimately open, and they were controlled (the exception was when he was driving thorugh traffic)...whereas Jennings forces a ton and he's usually incredibly off-balance. I can't help but think if the guy was more selective and not so dramatically off-balance he'd make more shots.

It seems to me that Jennings tries to make the spectactular pass quite often, whereas the younger Billups once again seemed more controlled with his bball distribution...again getting back to fundamentals.

Defensively, Billups obviously had a much better supporting cast. However, his size and strength just made it more difficult to get around him...whereas Jennings is pencil-thin and loves to reach and use more playground tactics...once again getting back to fundamentals.

Finally, there's the whole inability or unwillingness to use his right hand with layups on the right side. Enough said there. Unless there's no one around to contest his right side layps, he's going to miss a ton of those due to blocks, etc. I cannot understand how a player in that position making that kind of money has zero right hand in those situations.

So when you compare him to Billups, I understand your point. I guess, for me...now that you mention Billups, part of my frustration and dislike for Jennings is that deep down I think he has the POTENTIAL to be better than he is...if he was more fundamentally sound and controlled. IMO Billups was, and improved here because he had that base. I will say this: if Cheeks can't make him a better player (and Mo Cheeks was as fundamentally sound as any PG I can ever remember), no one can.

You say "wait." Ok, I will. I've said what I've had to say about Jennings, and I'm obviously very doubtful he can change enough to be successful here long-term (as I said, I believe he will have his moments/stretches when he puts up big numbers - like Chicago Saturday night). I don't see a need to keep beating this drum.

We'll see where he is at the end of this year under Cheeks guidance...and next year for that matter since he's here for at least 2 given his salary and the fact that no other GMs seemed to have any interest in him. Will he improve in these areas? At the age of 25, wow...I don't see it. I almost feel he needs to be torn down and then built back up...I don't know that cheeks is the guy to do that and I don't feel Jennings has a small enough ego to permit that to happen.

But he will have his games that help the Pistons win...especially against mediocre opposition...is that really enough? We shall see.

[DonVitoReturns]

Just wondering, do you think the Pistons should have only went and acquired players that will be here when they're ready to compete for a championship this past off season? I bet Joe D is pretty aware Jennings is not exactly a championship PG. But at the very least he's a "playoff" PG and still young enough to improve in his time here to be a valuable asset in acquiring a championship piece down the line when its time.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

Good question...my answer is no, not necessarily. For example, I'm not convinced Josh Smith is a player who'd be on the floor (a lot) on a champtionship squad...at least certainly not at SF (maybe PF if someone is able to choke him out of those long jumpers).

However, as bad as his outside shooting is, and as much as he's turned the ball over here...his rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall energy provides a lot of value to this team right now and they needed that. So I was ok with Dumars signing Smith even with his flaws, and I still feel that way. He's not their long-term solution at SF and I think he either ends up the PF by trading Monroe or potentially Smith gets traded down the road. But he's a good shot in the arm that improves the team overall...and that was sorely needed here.

But by adding Jennings to a lineup that needed a shot in the arm like J. Smith...that's what bothers me. I can live with one flawed postion getting 35 to 40 minutes, but not two.

In addition, I worry somewhat about one of the two guys they gave up becoming a very good player. I've seen the Pistons give up early on guys like Afflalo, Bonzi Wells, Ricky Pierce (going way back) and Antoine Carr (again going way back). All of those guys became really good pros. Given how I feel about Jennings, it pains me to think this may once again come back to bite them.

So I guess I would have rolled the dice a bit and probably kept Knight/Middleton, maintained more flexibility under the cap (perhaps a trade for a "Rondo" may have still been possible), and tried to make the playoffs with the rest. Given how terrible the East is, I think they would have had a good shot at the playoffs. With Jennings, I admit they could get as high as the 3rd seed in this terrible conference (and Dumars likely has kept his job for another 3-5 years), but I feel Jennings brings a "ceiling" that doesn't allow them to get past "pretender" status and acheive "contender" status.

I really like Pope's potential. I really like Singler as a role player. I love Drummond. We'll see where everything else goes...as the Pistons are still several years away from really being a potential contender. In some ways this squad reminds me of the team in Carlisle's first year. They had a few pieces at that stage, but significant changes were necessary.

[DetroitSho]

Just wondering, do you think the Pistons should have only went and acquired players that will be here when they're ready to compete for a championship this past off season? I bet Joe D is pretty aware Jennings is not exactly a championship PG. But at the very least he's a "playoff" PG and still young enough to improve in his time here to be a valuable asset in acquiring a championship piece down the line when its time.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

Good question...my answer is no, not necessarily. For example, I'm not convinced Josh Smith is a player who'd be on the floor (a lot) on a champtionship squad...at least certainly not at SF (maybe PF if someone is able to choke him out of those long jumpers).

However, as bad as his outside shooting is, and as much as he's turned the ball over here...his rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall energy provides a lot of value to this team right now and they needed that. So I was ok with Dumars signing Smith even with his flaws, and I still feel that way. He's not their long-term solution at SF and I think he either ends up the PF by trading Monroe or potentially Smith gets traded down the road. But he's a good shot in the arm that improves the team overall...and that was sorely needed here.

But by adding Jennings to a lineup that needed a shot in the arm like J. Smith...that's what bothers me. I can live with one flawed postion getting 35 to 40 minutes, but not two.

In addition, I worry somewhat about one of the two guys they gave up becoming a very good player. I've seen the Pistons give up early on guys like Afflalo, Bonzi Wells, Ricky Pierce (going way back) and Antoine Carr (again going way back). All of those guys became really good pros. Given how I feel about Jennings, it pains me to think this may once again come back to bite them.

So I guess I would have rolled the dice a bit and probably kept Knight/Middleton, maintained more flexibility under the cap (perhaps a trade for a "Rondo" may have still been possible), and tried to make the playoffs with the rest. Given how terrible the East is, I think they would have had a good shot at the playoffs. With Jennings, I admit they could get as high as the 3rd seed in this terrible conference (and Dumars likely has kept his job for another 3-5 years), but I feel Jennings brings a "ceiling" that doesn't allow them to get past "pretender" status and acheive "contender" status.

I really like Pope's potential. I really like Singler as a role player. I love Drummond. We'll see where everything else goes...as the Pistons are still several years away from really being a potential contender. In some ways this squad reminds me of the team in Carlisle's first year. They had a few pieces at that stage, but significant changes were necessary.

So you admit that
1. There's still a question of whether we make the playoffs with Brandon Knight at PG.

2. We in turn have a ceiling of 3rd seed as Brandon Jennings at PG.

3. We're not competing this year one way or the other.

So the fact that we're better and with future flexibility should be enough for you to be on board. And the Middleton situation don't even compare to Afflalo/Bonzi situations as we got absolutely zero in return for those guys. Middleton left and a clear upgrade came back.



Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

[DonVitoReturns]

Just wondering, do you think the Pistons should have only went and acquired players that will be here when they're ready to compete for a championship this past off season? I bet Joe D is pretty aware Jennings is not exactly a championship PG. But at the very least he's a "playoff" PG and still young enough to improve in his time here to be a valuable asset in acquiring a championship piece down the line when its time.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

Good question...my answer is no, not necessarily. For example, I'm not convinced Josh Smith is a player who'd be on the floor (a lot) on a champtionship squad...at least certainly not at SF (maybe PF if someone is able to choke him out of those long jumpers).

However, as bad as his outside shooting is, and as much as he's turned the ball over here...his rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall energy provides a lot of value to this team right now and they needed that. So I was ok with Dumars signing Smith even with his flaws, and I still feel that way. He's not their long-term solution at SF and I think he either ends up the PF by trading Monroe or potentially Smith gets traded down the road. But he's a good shot in the arm that improves the team overall...and that was sorely needed here.

But by adding Jennings to a lineup that needed a shot in the arm like J. Smith...that's what bothers me. I can live with one flawed postion getting 35 to 40 minutes, but not two.

In addition, I worry somewhat about one of the two guys they gave up becoming a very good player. I've seen the Pistons give up early on guys like Afflalo, Bonzi Wells, Ricky Pierce (going way back) and Antoine Carr (again going way back). All of those guys became really good pros. Given how I feel about Jennings, it pains me to think this may once again come back to bite them.

So I guess I would have rolled the dice a bit and probably kept Knight/Middleton, maintained more flexibility under the cap (perhaps a trade for a "Rondo" may have still been possible), and tried to make the playoffs with the rest. Given how terrible the East is, I think they would have had a good shot at the playoffs. With Jennings, I admit they could get as high as the 3rd seed in this terrible conference (and Dumars likely has kept his job for another 3-5 years), but I feel Jennings brings a "ceiling" that doesn't allow them to get past "pretender" status and acheive "contender" status.

I really like Pope's potential. I really like Singler as a role player. I love Drummond. We'll see where everything else goes...as the Pistons are still several years away from really being a potential contender. In some ways this squad reminds me of the team in Carlisle's first year. They had a few pieces at that stage, but significant changes were necessary.

So you admit that
1. There's still a question of whether we make the playoffs with Brandon Knight at PG.

2. We in turn have a ceiling of 3rd seed as Brandon Jennings at PG.

3. We're not competing this year one way or the other.

So the fact that we're better and with future flexibility should be enough for you to be on board. And the Middleton situation don't even compare to Afflalo/Bonzi situations as we got absolutely zero in return for those guys. Middleton left and a clear upgrade came back.



Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

1-Yes, with knight there's no guarantee, although I believe they still would...and I'd be ok if they missed them one more year. Gores wants the playoffs to sell tickets...he's a businessman and he's seen enough of the empty seats. I can wait one more year if necessary...And with the east this bad I don't think that would have happened.

2- I believe the Pistons have A ceiling with Jennings...not that it's just the third seed this year (which is nothing to get excited about in the East). My focus isn't THIS year. Unless Jennings radically improves as I've stated elsewhere, there's a cap on what this franchise can accomplish with him the way plays the game currently. 3rd seed in the east this year vs the 8th seed isn't saying much of anything.

3- So if we aren't a title contender we do whatever as long as the record and playoff seed improves? We'll agree to disagree on that.

The Pistons would have been better than last year without the trade for Jennings, simply via Drummonds improvement, the Smith addition, Pope addition, Singler improvement, Cheeks vs Frank, etc. That would have been enough for ME.

Last- the point is the Pistons gave up on Wells/Afflalo. They gave them away...as they did Middleton. It was a clear upgrade to YOU. I see it as a way to get more wins in the very short-term. The final chapter on Middleton is a long way from being written, as it is with Knight...

I'd prefer to spend the next couple years still working with Knight or trying to find another solution that isn't Jennings. Sorry for not "seeing the light."








Sent from my iPad using RealGM Forums mobile app

[DetroitSho]

Good question...my answer is no, not necessarily. For example, I'm not convinced Josh Smith is a player who'd be on the floor (a lot) on a champtionship squad...at least certainly not at SF (maybe PF if someone is able to choke him out of those long jumpers).

However, as bad as his outside shooting is, and as much as he's turned the ball over here...his rebounding, shot-blocking, and overall energy provides a lot of value to this team right now and they needed that. So I was ok with Dumars signing Smith even with his flaws, and I still feel that way. He's not their long-term solution at SF and I think he either ends up the PF by trading Monroe or potentially Smith gets traded down the road. But he's a good shot in the arm that improves the team overall...and that was sorely needed here.

But by adding Jennings to a lineup that needed a shot in the arm like J. Smith...that's what bothers me. I can live with one flawed postion getting 35 to 40 minutes, but not two.

In addition, I worry somewhat about one of the two guys they gave up becoming a very good player. I've seen the Pistons give up early on guys like Afflalo, Bonzi Wells, Ricky Pierce (going way back) and Antoine Carr (again going way back). All of those guys became really good pros. Given how I feel about Jennings, it pains me to think this may once again come back to bite them.

So I guess I would have rolled the dice a bit and probably kept Knight/Middleton, maintained more flexibility under the cap (perhaps a trade for a "Rondo" may have still been possible), and tried to make the playoffs with the rest. Given how terrible the East is, I think they would have had a good shot at the playoffs. With Jennings, I admit they could get as high as the 3rd seed in this terrible conference (and Dumars likely has kept his job for another 3-5 years), but I feel Jennings brings a "ceiling" that doesn't allow them to get past "pretender" status and acheive "contender" status.

I really like Pope's potential. I really like Singler as a role player. I love Drummond. We'll see where everything else goes...as the Pistons are still several years away from really being a potential contender. In some ways this squad reminds me of the team in Carlisle's first year. They had a few pieces at that stage, but significant changes were necessary.

So you admit that
1. There's still a question of whether we make the playoffs with Brandon Knight at PG.

2. We in turn have a ceiling of 3rd seed as Brandon Jennings at PG.

3. We're not competing this year one way or the other.

So the fact that we're better and with future flexibility should be enough for you to be on board. And the Middleton situation don't even compare to Afflalo/Bonzi situations as we got absolutely zero in return for those guys. Middleton left and a clear upgrade came back.



Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

1-Yes, with knight there's no guarantee, although I believe they still would...and I'd be ok if they missed them one more year. Gores wants the playoffs to sell tickets...he's a businessman and he's seen enough of the empty seats. I can wait one more year if necessary...And with the east this bad I don't think that would have happened.

2- I believe the Pistons have A ceiling with Jennings...not that it's just the third seed this year (which is nothing to get excited about in the East). My focus isn't THIS year. Unless Jennings radically improves as I've stated elsewhere, there's a cap on what this franchise can accomplish with him the way plays the game currently. 3rd seed in the east this year vs the 8th seed isn't saying much of anything.

3- So if we aren't a title contender we do whatever as long as the record and playoff seed improves? We'll agree to disagree on that.

The Pistons would have been better than last year without the trade for Jennings, simply via Drummonds improvement, the Smith addition, Pope addition, Singler improvement, Cheeks vs Frank, etc. That would have been enough for ME.

Last- the point is the Pistons gave up on Wells/Afflalo. They gave them away...as they did Middleton. It was a clear upgrade to YOU. I see it as a way to get more wins in the very short-term. The final chapter on Middleton is a long way from being written, as it is with Knight...

I'd prefer to spend the next couple years still working with Knight or trying to find another solution that isn't Jennings. Sorry for not "seeing the light."








Sent from my iPad using RealGM Forums mobile app

Oh, you're one of those "the Pistons need another high lottery pick" guys. I get it now. How in one breath you can say its possible we don't make the playoffs this season with Knight, but then say we would have been better regardless? Any team in the East that don't make the playoffs this year, it means they're WORSE than last year, except maybe the Bobcats and Philly. If you don't agree, just look at the way things are shaping up. Look at the teams that didn't make it last year and what their intentions for this season were. Do the same for the teams that made the playoffs last year and are not in the running this year. They're worse.

So if you was OK with a team that you couldn't guarantee to make the playoffs in THIS clusterphuck of a conference, then you would've been rooting for a bad lottery team with no guaranteed lottery pick.

And if you don't believe Brandon Jennings is an upgrade over Brandon Knight then you stand alone. The guy is still a bad PG. You may not like Jennings but he runs the team waaaaaay better.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Archer1]

If Rondo is available, why wouldn't the Pistons make a run for him? With the talented bigs on the Pistons roster, Rondo seems to be an ideal fit. I would think that his perimeter defense and ability to distribute would make them an immediate contender.

1.) coming off a major injury, questions if he's the same player

2.) if he is the same player, can he thrive not being surrounded by HOF

3.) Rondo's incredibly ball dominant, is that what we need?

4.) Do we really want another player who can't spread the floor

5.) Defensively rondo is lackluster at times and even more head case than jennings.

6.) what about what we've seen from jennings so far even makes Rondo a need?

Celtics' Fan Responses
1) Valid, but thanks to modern medicine and rehabilitation he will likely make a full recovery. He is a smooth offensive player who makes intelligent drives for easy baskets, can knock down mid-range jumpers when teams sag off of him, and makes his money by setting up teammates for easy buckets or open shots. He is a player who relies on his quickness, but even more so he relies on smart angles. He doesn't pound his joints like Rose with aggressive power drives so I wouldn't be worried about him losing his effectiveness or becoming re-injured.

2) I am of the thought that Rondo extended their success. Garnett's offensive repertoire diminished to becoming a glorified jump shooter, yet he was still productive because Rondo was able to get the ball to him in his spots on the floor. Pierce was exponentially more effective as a spot-up player rather then when he attempted to ISO like he was 27 again. Thanks to Rondo - and their spot up shooting ability - they were able to maintain impressive FG percentages and remain primary offensive options in their late 30s. Rondo's greatest strength is finding his teammates. Get in position to score and Rondo will find you. From a mental standpoint, Rondo is a leader on the floor so I would imagine that he will produce just as well when he comes back. I think the consensus that his scoring will go slightly up and his assists slightly down - maybe a line of 15PPG/5RPG/10APG/1.8SPG (when fully healthy).

3) Rondo is ball-dominant because he is has remarkable basketball IQ, ball-handling skills, and playmaking abilities. However, his on-court leadership and awareness helps get teammates easy baskets. You want the ball in his hands.

4) For the Pistons, this is a fair question. Rondo has become a competent mid-range shooter when teams sag, but he can't hit threes. He doesn't need four shooters around him, but he does need two. I think the ideal offensive team around Rondo would be D & 3 type wing players, a power forward with a mid-range shot, and a center down low. Drummond and Smith would be a nice front court pairing for him, but the Pistons currently lack the wings. KCP has potential and Singler can shoot, but I think both spots could be upgraded.

5) This is a two part question. First, the defense. Defensively - yes - I think Rondo can gamble at times and he doesn't focus as much on defense as he used to. However, that is because he has been entrusted to run the offense and he has Avery "Pitbull" Bradley alongside him to play that tough on-ball pressure defense. He has quick hands and great anticipation and can turn turnovers into points with ease. Without question he is still capable of being a terrific perimeter defender.

6) Without having watched much of Jennings this season, I can safely say that 10 times out of 10 - Rondo is a better point guard than Jennings. I don't see how anybody could really think that Jennings is better. A better fit? Fine, that's debatable. A better overall player? No way.

However, the Pistons acquiring Rondo is extremely unlikely in my mind. The only way it happens is if Drummond is coming back to the Cs. If Monroe was offered, the Pistons would need to include a 1st round pick. Sorry to burst your bubble. I am still in favor of a Courtney Lee/Jeff Green for Greg Monroe/Charlie Villanueva swap. Lee and Green could add some shooting and perimeter defense to make a formidable starting five of Jennings/Lee/Green/Smith/Drummond in the East - very athletic and good on defense.

[Blkbrd671]

Celtics' Fan Responses
1) Valid, but thanks to modern medicine and rehabilitation he will likely make a full recovery. He is a smooth offensive player who makes intelligent drives for easy baskets, can knock down mid-range jumpers when teams sag off of him, and makes his money by setting up teammates for easy buckets or open shots. He is a player who relies on his quickness, but even more so he relies on smart angles. He doesn't pound his joints like Rose with aggressive power drives so I wouldn't be worried about him losing his effectiveness or becoming re-injured.

i'm sorry but you can rationalize all you want, but until we can see that it has not effected him its still a question mark. His quickness ,explosion and change of direction are major question marks, and its not for 1 game but entire season and playoffs. Also Teams want rondo to shoot the ball, that's how you defend him.

2) I am of the thought that Rondo extended their success. Garnett's offensive repertoire diminished to becoming a glorified jump shooter, yet he was still productive because Rondo was able to get the ball to him in his spots on the floor. Pierce was exponentially more effective as a spot-up player rather then when he attempted to ISO like he was 27 again. Thanks to Rondo - and their spot up shooting ability - they were able to maintain impressive FG percentages and remain primary offensive options in their late 30s. Rondo's greatest strength is finding his teammates. Get in position to score and Rondo will find you. From a mental standpoint, Rondo is a leader on the floor so I would imagine that he will produce just as well when he comes back. I think the consensus that his scoring will go slightly up and his assists slightly down - maybe a line of 15PPG/5RPG/10APG/1.8SPG (when fully healthy).

oh no doubt that they benefited off each other, my point is that he definitely benefited off being surrounded by HOF's and you really can't argue that. When rondo passes the ball to courtny lee or Gerald Wallace, is he still going to be as effective? I don't think so. Also Brandon Jennings has been doing the same things as of late

3) Rondo is ball-dominant because he is has remarkable basketball IQ, ball-handling skills, and playmaking abilities. However, his on-court leadership and awareness helps get teammates easy baskets. You want the ball in his hands.

He was ball dominant because of who he was surrounded by, as you mentioned he was surrounded by age and so in order for Bos to be effective Rondo had to dominate the ball. We have moose, dre, Josh, all players that can play make, we need a player that can facilitate the offense not dominate the ball. We had Jose Calderon last year and almost our entire board hated watching him dribble the ball forever. Also we have 2 premier bigs, when teams go in to zone, rondo's lack of 3 pt shot is going to be problamatic

4) For the Pistons, this is a fair question. Rondo has become a competent mid-range shooter when teams sag, but he can't hit threes. He doesn't need four shooters around him, but he does need two. I think the ideal offensive team around Rondo would be D & 3 type wing players, a power forward with a mid-range shot, and a center down low. Drummond and Smith would be a nice front court pairing for him, but the Pistons currently lack the wings. KCP has potential and Singler can shoot, but I think both spots could be upgraded.

in other words if we trade for rondo, we have to adjust our players in order to accommodate his weaknesses as oppose do keeping Jennings who seems to be adapting to his team as oppose to the other way around

5) This is a two part question. First, the defense. Defensively - yes - I think Rondo can gamble at times and he doesn't focus as much on defense as he used to. However, that is because he has been entrusted to run the offense and he has Avery "Pitbull" Bradley alongside him to play that tough on-ball pressure defense. He has quick hands and great anticipation and can turn turnovers into points with ease. Without question he is still capable of being a terrific perimeter defender.

capable and is, are 2 different things, he hasn't been a great defender or applied himself to be which is my point. he does have potential, but the fact that he hasn't as long as he's been in the league is discouraging . Who's next to him really shouldn't matter. and again he's coming off major injury, can rondo who is ball dominant effectively play both ends? I would say no

6) Without having watched much of Jennings this season, I can safely say that 10 times out of 10 - Rondo is a better point guard than Jennings. I don't see how anybody could really think that Jennings is better. A better fit? Fine, that's debatable. A better overall player? No way.

past 4 games, Jennings has definitely been just as good or better than rondo at times, I don't quite get where rondo gets this different tier of talent when he clearly has weaknesses just like Jennings. If rondo had a consistent jump shot, i'd agree, but unfortunately he doesn't

However, the Pistons acquiring Rondo is extremely unlikely in my mind. The only way it happens is if Drummond is coming back to the Cs. If Monroe was offered, the Pistons would need to include a 1st round pick. Sorry to burst your bubble. I am still in favor of a Courtney Lee/Jeff Green for Greg Monroe/Charlie Villanueva swap. Lee and Green could add some shooting and perimeter defense to make a formidable starting five of Jennings/Lee/Green/Smith/Drummond in the East - very athletic and good on defense.

Rondo isn't even close to being worth Dre at this point, he's looking like if not the best center in the east in only his second year. Giving up a first and moose for him would be an absolute over pay. If rondo comes back, shows he can lead a team being surrounded by non allstars, i'd change my mind, but I still fail to see how he's a franchise changing point guard which is what Detroit would need if they are giving up moose+first

[Clarity]

If you can find a 22.4 ppg scorer on 49% FG and 46% 3pt FG with 4.4 rebs and 4.2 asts per game for ONLY 5 MIllion this coming off-season, I"M HIRING YOU TO BE THE GM YESTERDAY. Really? Have you seen what Afflalo has done so far this year? He's been playing at an all-star level, let me know the last ALL-STAR that only made 5 Million per?

look AA history , does it really indicate he's going to do this all season? just because he's doing it now, does'nt mean he's that player

Aaron has been awesome but he wont do this all year.