The Rondo Factor

By Andy Cardenas

Ladies and Gentlemen, this year, we have been treated to a Celtics team that is most unlike those of the past decade. The days of lonesome Pierce and showboating Walker are long gone. The memory of The Big Ticket will forever resonate, but only in reminiscence. However, the Celtics faithful may be sitting on a goldmine, unbeknownst to the common spectator. What we have, for the most part, is a motley crew of no-body’s. A ragtag bunch that Mark Blount and Ricky Davis would fit right in with. First thoughts? Ouch. Regardless, with the return of Rondo, one might think the season will feature an abrupt turnaround. That The Green might make the 8^th seed, and heck, maybe even break .500 in the pitiful Eastern Conference. I’m here to tell you that that’s exactly not what’s going to happen. Yes, you heard me correctly.

Well then, what’s all this about the return of Rondo? This is the treat: We get to watch a great franchise and a somewhat decent group of players find themselves and make the most of their young careers. Having Rondo back on the parquet is a blessing everyone is aware of this. But what is more important than a winning season is the chemistry, the functionality and understanding that is developed at the core. We can assume that Ainge and the man upstairs want Rondo around for the long term, despite the frequent rumors. I mean, when trade talk comes up, is there a functional piece that is able to make an immediate impact with equal or greater value? Let alone one that is willing to leave to come to Boston? That could be somewhat debated, but Rondo’s our hometown man, and he wants to stay. Raising the wreck from the cellar will be his claim to fame, his calling card for years to come. With Rondo at the core, there is hope lurking in the immediate future.

With Rondo at the helm, the immediate topic to scrutinize is his chemistry with Sully, Green, and the K-Bar (otherwise know as Kelly Olynyk). Let's take a step back to pre-ACL injury; Rondo had minimal meaningful collaboration with Green. He had Pierce and KG to look for. Yes, we all are mad at Green for his almost comical, night and day appearances, but the fact still stands that he sometimes does floor it and go off. If Rondo can help his development (lets not forget Green missed a whole season) he might be able to solidify his role as a dependable 18-points a night, minus the ups and downs. If he does this, his confidence will help other areas of his game such as rebounding and defense. 

 

The Young Guns: Sully and Kelly. What we have here is an interesting one-two (potentially a) knockout punch at power forward. Let's remember that Sully sat out the latter half of last year with the nagging back; this took away his chance at summer conditioning and general NBA ball skills. He has been phenomenal this year considering this. Stick him with a fully recovered Rondo and this is what you get; You’ve got a guy who can shoot from the elbow, knock down that 15-17 footer and maybe even hit the classic Pierce fadeaway. Rondo can dish it to him here, or toss him that behind-the-back pass in the paint. Sully’s hands will get better, as will his ability to jump, though this will remain limited because of his back. And then you’ve got Olynyk. Where will he be as he becomes a more polished, well rounded, and consistent frontcourt presence? Despite the looks, he’ll never be the next German Assassin, but his ceiling may be higher than several analysts assess. The upside is the fact that this Celtics team is young and that playing time is not impossible to come by. This will facilitate his development when coupled with Rondo. Yes, the K-Bar is going to take some time to learn Rondo’s game and when to look for the pass that’s already on the way, but this will come. Stevens is happy with Kelly thus far, and Ainge certainly has made no mistake in acquiring him.

There are many uncertainties on this team, and many factors potentially subject to change with the trade deadline lurking nearby. Regardless, Rondo’s presence will help Stevens ‘sure-up’ the roster in his role as distributor. The C’s are not yet on the path to having a contending team, but they are definitely making constructive progress. Lastly, let's take a step back, people; this is Boston. We’ve been so spoiled that we have forgotten what it’s like to enjoy the ride. The up’s always come with down’s, and the hometown boys always prevail, in this season or the next.