Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo In A Mini Slump: Is He Hurt?
The Boston Celtics are in a mini slump. The defense has been solid enough to earn wins. The problem is the offense is stalling out far too many times. There are reasons like the new bench players learning the system and key injuries to guys like Delonte West and glen Davis. However, the biggest reason for this mini funk is the slump of one Rajon Rondo. The Celtics star has recorded below par assists and points in each of the last few games. In the last five games the man has not hit double digits. What is his problem? It is not like the Nets, Bucks, Clippers, or even the 76ers defense can contain a healthy Rondo. I feel the very clear answer is that he is hurt. My guess is his foot is acting up due to the plantar facilities or his ankle is tweaked. There was one instance during the New Jersey game that Rondo had to leave to get his ankle taped again after coming up lame. If he was healthy, there would have been no issues that could not have waited or caused that kind of reaction from the body.
All the signs are pointing to a very injured Rondo. His play is very similar to the type of play he displayed during his first bout with injuries. Those that watch Rondo play regularly know his game is very dependent on driving to attack the basket. Through his attacking of the basket the Celtics get great looks and easy baskets. Rondo shreds the first defender and finds the open basket or open man to ignite Boston’s attack. The man also draws fouls and gets the other team’s defense playing a lot different due to the foul trouble and attack mentality. The Rondo of the last five games is a jump shooter. Although his shot is a lot better, Rondo is not a jump shooter by any stretch of the imagination. The injury also seems to be affecting his jump shot as well. The man is front rimming shots and does not appear to have the lift that he normally has.
However, the big issue of a non driving Rondo is the effect that it has with his teammates. The offense is not as smooth. The defense can play even more off Rondo than they normally do because there is no fear of attacking the paint. The defense is not collapsing and the open outside shots are not there for the Celtics. Not attacking the baskets means more effort by Allen, Pierce, Garnett, or anyone else to get their shot off.
Rondo is a smart player. He knows his game and knows how to be successful. The only reason he is not is because his body is betraying him. I believe Rondo has been hurt, but has been forced to play due to the other Celtics injuries. If one looks over the last five games, Rondo was seeing his minutes chopped down. The problem for Boston was there was no back up at the time. Now Carlos Arroyo is on board with some time in the system to spell Rondo. The Celtics also will see the return of Delonte West on Wednesday. Two experienced point guards mean some needed time off for Rondo. Look for Rondo to get some rest and return to his dominant self. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!!!!
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