Pierce and KG think Rondo is ready to be the centerpiece for the Celtics
During the weekend festivities of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's return to Boston of course the inevitable question came up as to whether they felt newly named Celtic captain Rajon Rondo could be the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.
Pierce, the Celtics second all time leading scorer had this to say:
Garnett, echoed those sentiments and feels the time Rondo spent with the two Celtic legends was time very well spent:
Now, of course the same questions that have always arisen repeatedly came up, especially from Jon Barry, during Sunday's game as to whether Rondo was great for so long as a result of having played with three future Hall of Famers.
While of course it helps any point guard to have great talent surrounding him I have never bought this argument.
Throughout the years Rondo learned how, when and where to give players the ball where they would ultimately be successful.
For instance, as I've referenced before, in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 Ray Allen had his two best shooting years of his career from three point range with Rondo at the helm.
This is largely in part to Rajon knowing how to get Ray the ball in rhythm on the break as well as dribble hand offs in the half court.
Hence, I do not question the authenticity of either Pierce or Garnett's statements and do feel that they really believe Rondo can be the centerpiece of the Celtic franchise as they move forward and rebuild.
After all, a truly distributing point guard who makes his teammates better is an absolute rarity in today's NBA.
Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey
Pierce, the Celtics second all time leading scorer had this to say:
PP on Rondo: "He's ready now. He's matured. Before he had me & Kevin to lean on. Now he's the guy. He's seen the bottom, he's seen the top."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 27, 2014
Garnett, echoed those sentiments and feels the time Rondo spent with the two Celtic legends was time very well spent:
KG on Rondo: while we were here I think he took notes. He knows what to do, even when he doesn't want to.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) January 27, 2014
Now, of course the same questions that have always arisen repeatedly came up, especially from Jon Barry, during Sunday's game as to whether Rondo was great for so long as a result of having played with three future Hall of Famers.
While of course it helps any point guard to have great talent surrounding him I have never bought this argument.
Throughout the years Rondo learned how, when and where to give players the ball where they would ultimately be successful.
For instance, as I've referenced before, in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 Ray Allen had his two best shooting years of his career from three point range with Rondo at the helm.
This is largely in part to Rajon knowing how to get Ray the ball in rhythm on the break as well as dribble hand offs in the half court.
Hence, I do not question the authenticity of either Pierce or Garnett's statements and do feel that they really believe Rondo can be the centerpiece of the Celtic franchise as they move forward and rebuild.
After all, a truly distributing point guard who makes his teammates better is an absolute rarity in today's NBA.
Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintCorey