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3 keys for the Cleveland Cavaliers after losing Rubio and Sexton

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Darius Garland #10 celebrates with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Garland scored during the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 97-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Darius Garland #10 celebrates with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Garland scored during the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 97-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Nov 24, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (4) warms up before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3 keys for the Cleveland Cavaliers after losing Rubio and Sexton: Rajon Rondo needs to outperform how he played in Los Angeles

The immediate issue of not having a playmaker outside of Darius Garland was the first thing Cleveland needed to address. Trading for Rajon Rondo, who is currently 14th on the NBA’s all-time assist list, feels like a logical solution.

A 16-year veteran with multiple championships under his belt, Rondo is the ideal profile to replace Ricky Rubio. He’s a similarly skilled playmaker who can alleviate a portion of the ball-handling duties off Garland.

However, the fact that he’s serving as a non-factor in the scoring department and in the midst of the worst season of his career is a reason to be concerned about Rondo. He’s shooting just 32.4 percent from the floor and 8-of-30 from deep on the year.

Rondo’s negative 10.6 Net Rating is among the worst of more than 400 players to appear in at least 15 games this season. The Los Angeles Lakers are better in nearly every metric without Rondo on the floor.

Los Angeles Lakers with Rajon Rondo on/off the court

  • Net Rating: -10.7/+0.4
  • Offensive Rating: 95.3/108.7
  • Defensive Rating: 106/108.3

In comparison, Rubio was one of the biggest contributors to Cleveland’s early success this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers with Ricky Rubio on/off the court

  • Net Rating: +9.1/+0.7
  • Offensive Rating: 108.6/107.4
  • Defensive Rating: 98.5/106.6

While Rubio is a limited shooter and below-average finisher at the rim, he was in the top 20 for bench scoring this season and served as a respectable enough threat from deep (33.9 percent on 5.1 attempts per game) to demand attention from the defense.

How close Rondo can come to filling the void left by Rubio’s absence will be key for Cleveland. It is unlikely he matches Rubio’s production, but it is critical Rondo outperforms his previous pace in Los Angeles.

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