Dallas Mavericks: Rajon Rondo Finding His Shot
The highest-scoring in the offense has the potential to become even more effective, and the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff is working to make that happen. When point guard Rajon Rondo was acquired from the Boston Celtics to replace starting point guard Jameer Nelson, there was little talk about the impact his acquisition could have on the NBA’s top offensive team.
Rondo’s championship experience, along with his ability to pass and defend were justifiable reasons for Dallas fans to be excited, but his offensive game was only mentioned in passing. Rondo came into Dallas shooting just 40.5 percent from the field, and he was connecting on only 25 percent of his shots from three-point range.
While he has never been someone who plays as the focal point of an offense, Rondo has not always struggled with his shot. In fact, when Rondo made the Eastern Conference All-Star team for four consecutive seasons (2009-13) he shot an average of 48 percent from the field.
Rondo has never been one to force the issue on offense, at his best when he lets the flow of the game dictate the shots that he attempta. Rondo’s focus was getting others involved during his best stretch as a pro, averaging only 11 shots per game during his four All-Star seasons.
The Celtics teams that Rondo found his highest level of success with mirrored the current Mavericks’ team in terms of capable scorers. It comes as no surprise that Rondo had his best seasons while playing alongside Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Rondo let his offense come to him while dishing out an average of 11 assists per game from 2009-13.
Rondo once again finds himself surrounded by a bevy of talented offensive players and he will find optimal scoring opportunities throughout the course of the game. The Mavericks’ ball movement, spacing and unselfish style of play suite Rondo’s game and his level of comfort within the Dallas offense is evident with each passing game.
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The Mavericks may have the highest scoring offense in the NBA (109.9 points per game), but for them to reach their full potential, Rondo will have to become a more effective outside shooter. This fact was clearly not lost on head coach Rick Carlisle and the rest of the Dallas coaching staff.
The Mavericks’ offense will not be able to sustain a high level of play without each of the five players on the court representing a threat to the opposing defense. Rondo could continue shooting 40.5 percent from field and Dallas would still find themselves in the Western Conference playoffs, but their sights are set higher than that.
In order to protect the Mavericks’ spacing in the half-court offense Rondo will have to continue shooting the ball, and he has shown in previous seasons that he has the capability to shoot the ball at a high enough percentage to do that.
Rondo has only been a member of the Mavericks’ team for seven games, but this appears to be a fit suited for both sides. Rondo’s scoring output has jumped from 8.3 to 15.4 points per game and his shooting from the field has improved from 41 percent in Boston to 47 percent during his time in Dallas.
It’s been clear that the coaching staff in Dallas is in his ear about taking advantage of open shots, regardless of the outcome. They are clearly hopeful that Rondo can regain the confidence that he was once had in his shot and it will benefit the entire team if he does.
In his seven games in Dallas, Rondo has attempted 14.7 field goals attempted per game, the highest field goals per game average in his career. Rondo is not forcing the issue, but unlike the last few seasons in Boston, he is already enjoying the benefit of playing alongside numerous offensive players capable of creating of their own shot.
After Rondo’s scorched his former team for a season high 29 points, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle spoke to the media about how Rondo is working to improve his shooting:
"“He’s working hard on his shot, so his shooting is getting a lot better. His recognition in situations with our team is getting a lot better and he’s working hard on his rhythm.”"
The Mavericks are not asking Rondo to turn into Russell Westbrook overnight, that’s not what they need to contend. The Mavericks are working with Rondo so he may come close to mirroring the efficient scorer that he was during his best years in Boston.
Rondo has already drastically improved the Mavericks’ defensive efficiency and he continues to rebound extremely well for a point guard, which leaves room for growth in only one area.
Rondo has the necessary talent around him, one of the top coaching staffs in the league behind him and he has displayed the confidence to improve his shooting. If he continues to improve at this rate, the the best offense in the NBA will become even more dynamic.