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New Orleans Pelicans: 5 goals for Rajon Rondo in 2017-18

By Jen Julie Smith

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) has a shot blocked by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the against the Chicago Bulls on April 2, 2017, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. Bull won 117-110. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) has a shot blocked by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the against the Chicago Bulls on April 2, 2017, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. Bull won 117-110. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

5. Provide Leadership

Rondo brings a wealth of experience to a rather young Pelicans team, after being in the league 12 seasons. He also has a 2008 championship ring while playing for the Celtics, and with future Hall of Famers — Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

Because of his time in the league and playing for a championship team, Rondo should bring veteran leadership to the Pelicans.A lso, the fact that Cousins was one of Rondo’s most vocal supporters speaks volumes to the respect that Rondo will receive inside and outside the Pelicans’ locker room.

Young Bulls players also looked up to Rondo, including Nicola Mirotic. According to the Chicago Tribune, this is what the Bulls’ power forward had to say back in January:

"“‘Along with Pau (Gasol), he’s the best teammate I’ve ever had,’ Mirotic said. “I feel so comfortable with him and I think all the young guys do,” Mirotic said. “He’s very honest. He’s talking all the time, supporting before the game, after the game, during the practice. He’s always positive. Even if something is not going well, he’s trying to help young players. It’s been great to have him here.”"

Because Rondo is battle-scarred and a veteran of playoff action, he will teach his new team what it takes to win.

Rondo is a pass-first point guard. During Game 2 against the Celtics in Boston, he had a 11 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds and five steals. He’s both an offensive and defensive threat, especially in pressure situations.

The Pelicans’ new point guard will not only be setting plays for his new teammates, but they will take cues from him regarding the tone of the game. In addition to his leadership skills on the floor, he will be a mentor to backup guards Jordan Crawford and Frank Jackson.

Taking in consideration Rondo’s ball movement, fans don’t have to worry about the one-ball argument, and how that will work with both Rondo and Holiday on the floor. Rondo should bring his leadership qualities and mentorship down to New Orleans.

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