2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Cavs (#1) Vs. Celtics (#4)

Obviously you CAN compare them since it was done a zillion times here a couple of years ago. As you can probably tell, I was one of the few that though Rondo had more upside than AB. Just because their skillsets are different doesn't mean you can't compare players.

Some of the potshots taken at Rondo then were ridiculous. I thought his PG instincts, vision and athleticism were incredible. But you never know how a player will develop. The way he steps up when one or two of the "big 3" doesn't show up speaks volumes for Rondo. He's always content to let others get theirs when it's good enough to win. He only dominates when necessary and doesn't seem to have an ego on the court. This is exactly what you want in a PG.

 

Gotta remember it is different games though. If AB worked on the other aspects of a PG position, other than trying to score, I'm sure he could put up some decent numbers.

Likewise, if Rondo just keeps working on his shooting, he could be the most well-rounded PG in the game.

Personally, if we didn't already have Lowry on this team, I would strongly consider trading AB for Rondo.

 

What is the point of comparing players with different skillsets then?

I mean, I guess you could compare Dwight Howard to Ray Allen. Or Yao Ming to Rajon Rondo.

But would the question always be who is the better player? You can only be vague if you compare players with different skillsets.

 

Rondo´s playmaking skills are natural talent and instincts, you can´t really learn that in your mid-20s.
If Danny Ainge trades Rondo for AB, that would be the worst trade ever.

 

Morey (and any sane GM) would do that in a heartbeat regardless of Lowry. Unless Danny Ainge is on crack, he would never make that trade.

 

This board has rated Rondo the same as Rafer. That was laughable.

The stupidity of cc.net is endless.
also see the Yao VS. Howard thread, Brooks career prediction thread.

 

Rondo and AB play the same position. You can totally ask who is the better PG. The rest of your examples obviously don't play the same position.

 

I'm just saying, Rondo and Lowry have similar games. Both can't shoot very well, but are all IQ and hustle. Both have great court vision, etc.

If it just so happens that the opposing team figures out a way to detain Rondo, then they don't have to change tactics much to detain Lowry.

If they detain AB, then Lowry presents whole new problems, and vice versa.

 

Howard to Allen? Yao to Rondo? Can you not see the difference between those comparisons and Rondo vs. AB, who are both PGs? If not, I give up. Seriously, just wow.

 

Brooks is too small to increase his rebounding and Rondo has innate point guard skills. Brooks passing is laughable at times. When Brooks shot is off, he is useless.

 

bold= fail

 

If Morey were offered Rondo for AB, he'd do it in a blink with no thought to Lowry. This isn't rocket science.

 

I was comparing people with different skillsets in my post, guys.

I never said they had to play the same position.

But hey, if you guys want to wait for what I post next, just so you can quote it and keep flaming, I'll try to find something stupid to say.

 

Rondo doesn't ever seem to be in the discussion for best PG in the game though. Don't know why that is.

Conversations are always dominated by Paul, Williams, and Nash.

Funny how he's the only guy with a ring.

 

In addition to his talent, Rondo has that Lowry-like never quit, constant energy style of play.

It's particularly impressive that he continues to get better despite signing tht fat contract.

He's a competitor and plays better in big games.

Having said all that, if he is one of your best 2 players, which will probably be the case in the near future, I don't think that team is a likely contender. You could make the case that he is one of their best 2 players right now but he still has 2 or 3 HOFers around him. It'll be interesting to see how far he can lead a team sans the Big 3.

 

Is this a common practice for any team?

That pretty much resolves the argument itself. In the present it should be very clear that Rondo for AB0 is a no brainer, barring any favoritism.

 

I wonder what would happen if you replace Nash with Rondo on the current Suns team.

Rondo has to be surrounded by people who can score though. Granted, he scored 29 points in this game, but, like Brooksball said, Garnett, Pierce and Allen all generate more defensive concern than Rondo.

 

No, but it happens sometimes. Not the player asking to come out of the game for applause, per se, but the coach taking the player out for the recognition he deserves.

But since the game wasn't over by any means, it probably wouldn't have happened anyway.

 

As far as where Rondo ranks among PGs, I think he has to be right there in the mix for best PG discussion. His only weakness is shooting but I think that he more than makes up for that in other areas.

Plus, didn't Rondo lead all PGs in FG% this season? He knows his limitations and has Parker-like finishing ability around the rim.

Best PGs: Paul, Williams, Rondo... maybe Rose and Westbrook in a year or two out of the current crop of PGs. I think Lowry will turn some heads when he gets his shot to start, whether it's in Houston or elsewhere.

 

Kinda getting outta hand with PG / Rondo discussion (when this is a thread about the series), but the future for PGs looks very, very bright.