Post by DERRENMATTS on Oct 24, 2007 17:43:25 GMT -5
Rajon has a world of talent and has the ability to put up stats worthy of being considered for the All-Star team. But unfortunately, its likely that he won't be one for us--not unless we revamp our offensive foundation.
Rondo is an exciting PG with advanced basketball instincts, but just like the situation he was in at Kentucky, Rajon is being handicapped under the halfcourt oriented system. His true game isn't being liberated. Rondo shines in the uptempo game with his quick decision making and the flare for creativity. But under Doc's and Ainge's offensive philosophy where the ball is taken out of the PG's hands--making the entire team virtual "PG's"--Rondo is playing about 70% of his game. Even more, his greatest weakness (his shooting) is what the offensive philosophy relies on, more than his playmaking ability.
As a PG, Rondo has no competition on the team. But rookie Gabe Pruitt may have the chance to move ahead of Rajon in the future because of his sharp shooting. It doesn't matter that Rajon is the better overall player, or that Rajon is the superior ball handler and passer--it doesn't seem to matter on this team. As long as you can dribble the ball beyond midcourt and dump it off to the high post man, and knock down jumpers when the ball comes your way, you will fit in with the offense. Pruitt can be a strong shooter one day, and no doubt it will tempt Doc to reconsider the starting PG spot.
Its even conceivable that Tony Allen will be used a lot at PG if he shows consistency with his jumper.
I'm not saying our offensive system is wrong--it obviously worked for the Big 3 in the 80's, and I'm hoping it'll work us. I just feel bad for a talented youngster like Rondo who probably won't shine, or feel like he's given his all once his playing days are over.
There should be an attempt to utilize his skills by having our players play uptempo more. Not to ditch our current system, but incorporate more pick and rolls where Rajon can orchestrate the offense. You think Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Kirk Hinrich became good PG's without the pick and roll play?
The best thing Rondo can do for himself is to learn how to become more selfish. He needs to learn to look for his own shots. He's gotta be able to bury jumpers at least at a 43% clip. This, more than anything else, will probably keep him from losing his starting spot.
Rondo is an exciting PG with advanced basketball instincts, but just like the situation he was in at Kentucky, Rajon is being handicapped under the halfcourt oriented system. His true game isn't being liberated. Rondo shines in the uptempo game with his quick decision making and the flare for creativity. But under Doc's and Ainge's offensive philosophy where the ball is taken out of the PG's hands--making the entire team virtual "PG's"--Rondo is playing about 70% of his game. Even more, his greatest weakness (his shooting) is what the offensive philosophy relies on, more than his playmaking ability.
As a PG, Rondo has no competition on the team. But rookie Gabe Pruitt may have the chance to move ahead of Rajon in the future because of his sharp shooting. It doesn't matter that Rajon is the better overall player, or that Rajon is the superior ball handler and passer--it doesn't seem to matter on this team. As long as you can dribble the ball beyond midcourt and dump it off to the high post man, and knock down jumpers when the ball comes your way, you will fit in with the offense. Pruitt can be a strong shooter one day, and no doubt it will tempt Doc to reconsider the starting PG spot.
Its even conceivable that Tony Allen will be used a lot at PG if he shows consistency with his jumper.
I'm not saying our offensive system is wrong--it obviously worked for the Big 3 in the 80's, and I'm hoping it'll work us. I just feel bad for a talented youngster like Rondo who probably won't shine, or feel like he's given his all once his playing days are over.
There should be an attempt to utilize his skills by having our players play uptempo more. Not to ditch our current system, but incorporate more pick and rolls where Rajon can orchestrate the offense. You think Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Kirk Hinrich became good PG's without the pick and roll play?
The best thing Rondo can do for himself is to learn how to become more selfish. He needs to learn to look for his own shots. He's gotta be able to bury jumpers at least at a 43% clip. This, more than anything else, will probably keep him from losing his starting spot.
