Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo Is USA’s Man At Point Guard
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Rondo struggled against Lithuania. His competition Derrick Rose played well. Rondo then sat against Spain. That was one game. Coach K seems to be smitten with Rondo. The only people that are making an issue out of this are people that really do not understand Rondo’s impact on the court. They also do not realize he is the perfect point guard for Coach K’s system. He plays defense, runs the floor, and is a pass first guard. Clearly he is the starter. If anything Coach K was sending a message to Rondo to play better or you will not be playing. I look for Rondo to dominate against Greece and secure his starting role that Rose has been trying to rip away. Everyone knows that a Rondo with his back up against the wall is a Rondo that will be his best. Never bet against Rondo in big moments. Here are a few quotes from the coaches and players on the USA team regarding Rondo. These quotes tell me Rondo will be leading the USA squad come tournament time.
From Coach Mike Krzyzewski
“He’s a champion and really an ultimate competitor,” Team USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “I love him. He’s just a guy who wants to win and he’ll do anything you want him to do to win.”
“He’s the court leader,” Krzyzewski said. “His I.Q. for the game is very high.”
“He has won an NBA championship and [was] a possession away from winning . . . two [in] the last three years,” Krzyzewski said. “That’s what he gives us right away. We’re going to be in some very difficult environments. And Rondo . . . Rondo is as tough as anybody. He’s just trying to lead our team, get everybody involved, play great defense and win. That’s who he is.”
“It starts with Rondo,” said Team USA and Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski. “He wants to play defense. And he knows that the people behind him are playing defense, too.”
On the Spain Benching:
“Those are two veterans and young guys haven’t had a chance to start or whatever, so before we select our 12 we needed to give everyone a look.
We were trying to learn about our younger players so we started a different lineup. Before we talk about the outside, Lamar Odom should be our starting center. He’s finally into shape I think to play at this level. Curry has been out so we wanted to give him a chance and we already know what Rondo and Granger can do, and Love was out“
From Kevin Durant.
“Rajon Rondo,” he said, when asked which player he most wants to play with. “I was really looking forward to play with him. Of course, with me being a wing, having a dynamic point guard like him gets me excited. I’m looking forward to that.”
He’s just been a good mentor to me,” Durant said. “Playing with three guys like Paul [Pierce], Ray [Allen] and [Kevin Garnett]. He’s learned a lot from them, and he’s kind of teaching to me, Russell [Westbrook] and the younger guys like that. He’s been helping me out a lot. Whenever I need help with something, I make sure I go to him and ask him.”
From Chauncey Billups
“He’s a winner,” said former Celtic Chauncey Billups. “For me, that’s the ultimate compliment I can pay a player.”
“I like playing with Rondo,” Billups said. “He’s a winner. I love playing with winners; guys that know how to play the game. Guys that every possession know what it means.”
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