The Sacramento Kings‘ signing of Rajon Rondo this summer was the ultimate “risk-reward” move of the offseason, and the way that Rondo decides to turn this upcoming season could determine how good the boys from California’s capital will be.

It was a risk because he was responsible for the utter destruction of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of last season. Looking to make a push in the West, Mavs owner Mark Cuban pulled off a trade for the former All-Star, thinking that he would be the one to push them to championship-contending status.

What Rondo wound up doing instead was destroying team chemistry, and by the time the playoffs started, he completely quit on the team.

So, if Rondo was willing to say “screw it” to a team that had the pieces in place to make a run, then what would make us feel any certain that he won’t pull that same power move with a Sacramento team that’s not even playoff contenders yet?

I grappled with that question after the Rondo signing, but then I stopped looking at all the negatives and looked at the positives that a mentally right Rondo could bring to the Kings — and he could bring a lot, so much so that they could be in the hunt for a low playoff seed this season.

When he’s at the top of his game, Rondo is one of the most gifted playmakers in the league. He puts team first and he could be a blessing for DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, the cornerstones of what the Kings are trying to mold themselves into, whatever that is.

So if Rondo can keep his cool and focus on getting back to All-Star status, Sacramento could be playing for the chance to be swept by the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs in 2016, and considering where this team has been for the past nine seasons, that’s a huge improvement.

Then the Kings can watch Rondo sign a big money contract to play elsewhere next offseason.

Kareem Gantt covers the sports world for Rant Sports. Want to know what’s on his mind? Follow him on Twitter at @kganttwrites.