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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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Serve as a good point guard

No one is arguing that Rondo is still an elite point guard. But the former four-time All-Star and four-time NBA All-Defensive selection still has a little magic in his tank. There were a lot of fans who weren’t Rondo fans, but became one for that shining moment when he returned to his glory days during last season’s playoffs.

Rondo has career averages of 10.7 points and 8.5 assists per game. He came alive during the Chicago playoffs, and his stat line may have been better if he had been utilized more during the regular season.

Although his glory days are behind him, that doesn’t discount the possibility that he can bring glory to the Pelicans. He is still one of the better passers in the league. Having Cousins, Davis, Holiday and E’Twaun Moore on the receiving end, New Orleans should be knocking down baskets left and right with Rondo feeding them the rock.

In order for the Pelicans to see postseason action, Rondo doesn’t have to be a great point guard, he just has to be good. His job is to see the full landscape of the floor and see who’s in the best position to take an open shot.

Because Rondo is fearless, he has no problems driving the lanes. He also has the ability to crash the boards on both ends to get rebounds, which will result in second-chance shots for his teammates.

Rondo’s job is to open up the floor for his team, and get them all involved in passing the ball more, so they have better chances at the rim. If he can keep his assist numbers up and in a consistent fashion, then Rondo is set to his lead his team.

Unlike some other guards, Rondo doesn’t want to be the man, he just wants to make sure he gets the ball to his man.

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