Just about a month ago, almost anyone around the Celtics would be highly skeptical that their start point guard would be active even now, a couple weeks into the team’s 2014-2015 campaign. Everyone, that is, except Rajon Rondo himself. Although initially deemed out for somewhere between 6-8 weeks, Rondo managed to return to the court about a month after sustaining a broken hand, just in time for the Celtics convincing opening night victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Since his return, Rondo has been the difference for the C’s. It feels like every night that the captain steps onto the court a triple double is in reach (for good reason too given Rondo is averaging 10.8 points, 11.3 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game so far this season). Without their star point guard playing at such a high level, the current optimism surrounding the Celtics’ season would more than likely cease to exist.
Going into the season, I admit, I was a member of the long-list of Rondo haters. I just never understood how good he really is. My thought process went something along the lines of “the guy can’t score, sure he is a good passer, but can passing win games?”
First of all, in response to my stupidity, yes, there is now no doubt in my mind that Rondo can lead the Celtics to plenty of victories this season. He has the unique ability that few others in the NBA have to find the open guy wherever he is on the court, sparking offense for others rather than himself most of the time. This is why the Celtics are averaging an impressive 104.6 points per game so far this season. Rondo can push the ball up the court and energize the entire team not with a crazy dunk contest slam, but instead with a breathtaking pass to a teammate. This desire to create opportunities for teammates instead of himself is what makes Rondo so valuable to the Celtics.
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But if you have watched the Celtics at all this season, or really have ever seen Rondo play, you already know about his passing skills. What else has changed that is making Rondo appear to be such an important presence on the court?
Rondo’s jump shot has significantly improved this season, and he is evidencing that every night. Through the six games Rondo has been active this year, he is shooting a very respectable .385 3 point percentage, which is well above his career average of .256. Now, when defenders lay off him, Rondo can now pull up and make opponents pay for leaving him open behind the arc. Even if the first pass isn’t there, Rondo now seems confident enough to take a long range shot himself. This is a whole new element to Rondo’s game that makes him even more of a weapon for the Celtics.
While the season is still young, Rondo is off to a magnificent start. With continued strong play from their captain, the Celtics will have a legitimate chance at making a run toward a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.