Why Rajon Rondo has the best contract in the NBA

Rajon Rondo is known as one of the most unorthodox players in the NBA. I would venture to say probably one of the most unorthodox of all time. This video is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how truly weird this guy is.

Rondo also boasts a smooth 6’9 wingspan on a 6’1 frame. Maybe 6’2, depending on who you ask. He has enormous hands for a point gaurd as well. Some that rival that of an NBA center. Those hands can be attributed to his shooting woes from beyond the arch and away from the rim as well. He’s always struggle shooting from three, shooting only 27% from three point range. He’s also never averaged more than one three point attempt per game as an NBA player.

Rondo is an excellent rebounder for his height, and his long arms have a lot to do with that. He’s a freak athlete that brings a lot to the table with his passing ability and his ability to be an extension of Doc Rivers on the basketball court. Rondo has been the Celtics floor general through an NBA Finals win, another NBA Final’s appearance, and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. He’s been an All-Star in each of the passed three seasons, as well.

Rajon Rondo has been considered by some to be the best point guard in the NBA. Yet, he is only owed about $36 million over the next three years according to Hoopshype.com. That’s one hell of a bargain, if you ask me. Especially when you have guys like Jrue Holiday asking for a max deal.

Now of course, when Rondo initially signed his 5 year, $55 million dollar deal in 2009 he was just coming off of his only All-Star appearance. He had some pretty spectacular playoff performances, but Boston’s argument was that he was inconsistent there. It was very true, at the time. Rondo was widely inconsistent and was not the best player on the team. In hindsight, Boston made the right move.

Rondo is easily a max deal player right now. Once this contract is up, he will likely ask for one. But there is no opt out clause on his current deal so Boston has him for at least three more years if they’d like to keep him around. On the other hand, his contract is very movable. Especially for a player of his caliber. If there was ever a chance to snag a player that was better than him, he’d definitely be included in a package deal. This is why we hear his name come up in trade talks each and every year.

Think about it like this. Deron Williams just signed a $100 million contract. Russell Westbrook just signed an $80 million extension. Chris Paul will likely sign a $100 million deal as well. Derrick Rose just signed a $95 million contract extension as well. Rondo is making almost only a third of the money they are and his skill level is on par with each and every one of them. He may not be considered better, but he isn’t too far away.

To have one of the top 15 to 20 players in the NBA locked up for 5 years and 55 million dollars is a steal for Boston. It allows them to be versatile with their cap and re-sign a team around Rondo. It also lets them attack free agency aggressively and build a deeper team.

All in all, Rajon Rondo’s contract is awesome. He continues to be the life-line for the Celtics. Even in the front office.