Rajon Rondo Fitting In Should Be On Dallas Mavericks’ Christmas Wish List
By Keith Alrick
@Kramerica100
Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks made the biggest splash in the NBA this season when they acquired Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics. The move has had mixed reviews from people around the league because it’s not clear that Rondo is a good fit for this Mavericks team.
The biggest worry from skeptics of the trade is that Rondo will disrupt what Dallas has been doing on offense. That may seem strange considering Rondo is leading the league in assists and is typically praised for his ability to run an offense. However, the Mavericks didn’t need a player like Rondo to become more efficient at scoring the ball. They were already the No. 1 ranked offense in the league and didn’t have a player averaging over five assists.
Rondo’s inability to shoot could create less space for the other players on the court. Teams will be more likely to double team Dirk Nowitzki with whoever is guarding Rondo. Dallas will have to figure out ways to hide him on offense in order to avoid spacing issues.
Rondo has also been criticized for over dribbling in the past, which won’t fly in Dallas. It also won’t work with a shooting guard who likes to have the ball in his hands a lot such as Monta Ellis. It will really hurt the Mavericks if this trade ends up being a failure because of how well they were playing before the move. In the end, they might be guilty of trying to fix something that didn’t need fixing.
The good news — yes, there’s good news — is Dallas has time to figure everything out on the court. Also, Rondo’s presence on the court should benefit players like Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler. Perhaps above all, Rick Carlisle is one of the best coaches in the league, and I wouldn’t bet against him finding a way to make it all work.
The potential upside of Rondo fitting into the offense smoothly would make the Mavericks a serious title contender. He already gives them big-game experience, and he should be an improvement on defense over Jameer Nelson. It won’t be easy, but if he can adapt his game to fit what Dallas already has going on offense, then it would be the best Christmas present that they could ask for.
Raptors Taking Flight In West
Despite predictions proving otherwise, the Toronto Raptors are off to a perfect start in their Western Conference road trip. Read More
Lakers Need To Maintain Balanced To Succeed
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns in a tough game on Sunday night, but it was their balanced attack that was most impressive. Read More
Trail Blazers Proving They're Title Contenders
The Portland Trail Blazers aren't often thought about when considering the elite teams in the NBA. However, they continue to roll along following a 101-79 blowout victory over the New York Knicks. Read More
Bucks' Use Of FACS Goes Too Far
Professional sports teams will do anything to build a championship team, but the Milwaukee Bucks have run afoul with their latest initiative. Read More
Lakers Need To Make Moves Now
The Los Angeles Lakers should not wait until next year's draft to start preparing for the future. The time is now to make moves. Read More
Kobe Bryant Should Retire From The Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers SG Kobe Bryant's illustrious career is nearing its end. His body is giving up on the future hall of famer. What has Bryant have left to prove? Read More
Clippers Need More From Bench
The Los Angeles Clippers' bench got outplayed by the Toronto Raptors' bench in a game between two potential playoff teams on Saturday afternoon. Find out more here. Read More
Heat Continue Struggles Against Top Tier Opponents
The Miami Heat dropped another crucial game against the Memphis Grizzlies, keeping the team below the .500 mark, and continuing their struggles against top tier opponents. Read More
Thunder vs. Mavericks Preview, Prediction
Russell Westbrook looks to continue his hot stretch of play against the Dallas Mavericks. Find out more here. Read More
5 Early-Season Trade Targets For The Suns
Rumors have it that the Phoenix Suns are looking to make a blockbuster deal. Here are five players who could easily be involved soon. Read More
Pistons vs. Cavaliers Preview, Prediction
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons. Find out what will happen. Read More
Jimmy Butler Taking Pressure Off Derrick Rose
As long as Derrick Rose can remain healthy, the Chicago Bulls have a two-headed monster in its backcourt, but it's Jimmy Butler who is taking the weight off of Rose's shoulders. Read More