Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: Midseason Report Card From 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
NBA Power Rankings
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) defends Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Rajon Rondo

After trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks prior to the 2016 NBA draft, the Bulls signed Rajon Rondo just two weeks later.

The hope was that Rondo’s high basketball IQ — coupled with the fact that he has played on a championship team — would be a good choice to help fill the void created by Rose’s departure.

Early on, all was well. The Bulls were playing with the pace that Fred Hoiberg wanted and even more important, they were winning games. However, following a 111-101 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 30, Hoiberg decided to bench Rondo for the next five games.

As is the case with most competitive players, Rondo did not take the decision very well. Although he handled the situation as well as anyone could expect, he also called the situation a slap in the face.

In all fairness, that is probably an accurate statement being that Rondo was brought here to fill the lead guard position.

More from Hoops Habit

Despite his obvious displeasure about the recent development, Rondo has remained professional and has accepted his new role as a reserve.

On the season, Rondo is averaging 6.9 points per contest — his lowest average since his 2006-07 rookie season and is shooting a career-low 36 percent from the field.

Looking at the situation from the other side of the coin, though, Rondo has never been a great perimeter shooter — something the Bulls were well aware of when they acquired him.

Additionally, he leads the team in assists (6.9) and continues to be a model teammate despite being relegated to a reduced role midway through the season.

Having said that, Rondo may not be the difference-maker that the Bulls hoped he would be, but he hasn’t been a total disappointment either.

Midseason Grade: C-

Home/Chicago Bulls