Chicago Bulls: 5 reasons they should keep Rajon Rondo

Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 112-73. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Postseason production

To be totally objective, Rondo’s production was not anything to be overly excited about. His 7.8 points per contest marked the lowest scoring average of his career since his rookie season.

While he posted a career-best 38 percent from beyond the arc, his overall conversion rate of 40.8 percent was the third-lowest mark of his career. To be fair, though, Rondo did average a double-double in 72 starts with the Kings last year, so it is reasonable to presume some of the drop-off can be attributed with being taken out of the lineup at multiple points during the season.

Another counterargument is Rondo played well once he was re-inserted into the starting lineup, including the first two games of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics.

In Games 1 and 2, Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per contest. Even more important, the Bulls’ offense produced 108.5 points per outing in those two victories.

However, when Rondo was sidelined with an injury for the remaining games, the offense came to a halt, as Chicago managed just 90 points per outing in the four losses. Simply put, Rondo knows how to step up when he has to, and if he was healthy, it is conceivable the series could have played out differently.

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