Doc sitting the Big Three tonight vs. Charlotte...

[AMISTILLILL]

http://tbt.blogs.nba.com/2012/04/15/celtics-at-bobcats-6-p-m-et/

The Bobcats with a potentially winnable game! Celtics will have to rely on AB, Pietrus and Bass to bring this one home... nice test for some of the Boston roleplayers.

[All Net]

Would suck for the Cats if they can't win while the big 3 sit...would sum up their season

[jb220]

Rondo going for 50?

[t-rex]

Good move.

Doc thinks he has a deep playoff run left.


Although I think it was this mindset that led to the loss against the Raptors.


What does this say about the Bobcats?:confusedshrug:

[Real Men Wear Green]

Rondo going for 50?
Right now he's more likely to get 30 assists than 30 points.

[Thechosen1]

7-fifty ****in 1



vomits

[AMISTILLILL]

My Rondo statline prediction: 16 points, 6 boards, 12 assists.

[Meticode]

Rondo going for 20/20/20

Has anyone ever had a 20/20/20 game? :oldlol:

[Noob Saibot]

Bobcats should feel dissed. How dare Boston not play their best men! :mad:

[Real Men Wear Green]

Bobcats should feel dissed. How dare Boston not play their best men! :mad:
They should be grateful, they have a chance to win. They're in danger of having the worst record of all time.

[SpecialQue]

Celtics by 20.

[Noob Saibot]

They should be grateful, they have a chance to win. They're in danger of having the worst record of all time.

I wonder what their winning percentage is. can't be worse than the 09' Nets squad.

[ballup]

I don't like the "a short bench" part. It'd be nice to give the Purdue kids some burn. Likely bench players will be Dooling, Hollins, and Sasha (yuck).

[Derka]

Rondo, Bradley, Pietrus, Bass, Stiemsma starting tonight. What a crazy team we have.

I'd love to see E'twaun and Johnson get some run tonight, but I'm not holding my breath unless the lead gets crazy...and it won't.

Nice thing will be lots of young legs to run the floor with Rondo...but on the boards, it might not be so pretty tonight.

[Real Men Wear Green]

I wonder what their winning percentage is. can't be worse than the 09' Nets squad.
.121, 7-51. Go for any win you can get.

[L.Kizzle]

Rondo going for 20/20/20

Has anyone ever had a 20/20/20 game? :oldlol:
Wilt had 2 or 3 that actually counted. Points/boards/assist.

He had at least 2 with 20+ blocks, but blocks weren't counted as a stat back then.

[LBJDW305]

Celtics blow them out...Doc is a smart man. Maybe spoelstra takes some ****ing notes and rest his big 3 tomorrow

[Derka]

Stiemsma with 4 blocks in 5 minutes. Unreal.

[AMISTILLILL]

Stiemsma with 4 blocks in 5 minutes. Unreal.

:cheers: :cheers: :banana:

[Celtic_Pride]

Rondo feeling like a boss!

[Whoah10115]

This is good. We get to see Stiesma in the starting line-up.



I don't know who the backups will be lol.

[Derka]

34 points dropped in the first quarter and they look tired out there. I like it.

[AMISTILLILL]

Rondo already 4 points, 4 boards and 5 assists away from my prediction... and it's only the beginning of the second quarter :hammerhead:

[kNIOKAS]

Bass quietly proving he can have that 30/10 night. Just tuned in though, and probably not watching the second half. Still. Go Celtics!:cheers:

[BallsOut]

I don't understand this move. The Celtics still have a very tough schedule remaining. Why risk losing a game now?

[AMISTILLILL]

I don't understand this move. The Celtics still have a very tough schedule remaining. Why risk losing a game now?

:roll:

[TonyD]

Rondo has 7 assists in the first quarter without the big three. So much for the argument that his assists numbers are so high only because of playing with three future hall-of-famers (though trolls argue those three are old and done if it fits their agenda). Hell, he even managed to dish out 12 when the Celtics shot 37.5% against the Raptors earlier this week.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

JJJ trying too hard. 3 PF in like 2 minutes.

[Derka]

There is really no cause for Rondo to be so poor of a free throw shooter.

[taucesays]

Rondo has 7 assists in the first quarter without the big three. So much for the argument that his assists numbers are so high only because of playing with three hall-of-famers (though trolls argue those three are old and done if it fits their agenda). Hell, he even managed to dish out 12 when the Celtics shot 37.5% against the Raptors earlier this week.

Yes, because Charlotte and Raptors play great defense.

[TonyD]

Yes, because Charlotte and Raptors play great defense.

That argument doesn't work in the Raptors example, nice try though. The point was the team shooting sub 40%.

[AMISTILLILL]

Yes, because Charlotte and Raptors play great defense.

I was waiting for this troll response.

[AMISTILLILL]

"I don't think anything bad happens when you have (Marquis Daniels) out there."

:biggums:

[Celtic_Pride]

Wow Hollins!

[Celtic_Pride]

There is really no cause for Rondo to be so poor of a free throw shooter.

Mental issues maybe!

[ProfessorMurder]

Rondo's streak lives on :pimp:

[AMISTILLILL]

Boston took their foot off the gas. Better pick it back up in the second half.

[ProfessorMurder]

:roll: Rondo t'd up for saying 'F*ck you' to the ref while there's a close up on his face.

[EoJ]

lol rondo saying F#ck you to the ref

[Eat Like A Bosh]

Charlotte should be ashamed if they can't even win this one.

[Real Men Wear Green]

:roll: Rondo t'd up for saying 'F*ck you' to the ref while there's a close up on his face.
He's got to control that kind of response. That kind of thing makes a ref your enemy.

[ProfessorMurder]

Just so you guys know, Rondo is responsible for 25 points from assists and 16 himself. That's 41 out of Boston's 52 points.

[bagelred]

Charlotte should be ashamed if they can't even win this one.

Why? Their team is awful. Why would you assume Charlotte starters are better than Boston's bench.

[KG215]

What does it say when you're down 3 at home to this rotation...

Rondo
Avery Bradley
Brandon Bass
Mickael Pietrus
Greg Stiemsma
Keyon Dooling
JaJuan Johnson
Sasha Pavlovic
Marquis Daniels
Ryan Hollins

Take away Rondo and that's pretty pathetic. Sad thing is, I still think that team (Rondo included) would do better than 7-51.

[KG215]

Why? Their team is awful. Why would you assume Charlotte starters are better than Boston's bench.

Their not, which is really sad because Boston's bench is Keyon Dooling, Greg Stiemsma, Sasha Pavlovic, Pietrus, Daniels, and JaJuan Johnson.

[Celtic_Pride]

:roll: Rondo t'd up for saying 'F*ck you' to the ref while there's a close up on his face.

:pimp:

[Ralph100]

:roll: Rondo t'd up for saying 'F*ck you' to the ref while there's a close up on his face.
rofl gif? :roll: :roll:

[Derka]

Shoot that thing in rhythm, Piet!

[Derka]

Avery and Stiemer are all over this third quarter, but I'd like to see Stiemer picking up less fouls here. Less Ryan Hollins is a good thing.

[ProfessorMurder]

I like how I've believed in Bradley this whole time, feelsgoodman.jpg

He reminds me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on it.

[AMISTILLILL]

I like how I've believed in Bradley this whole time, feelsgoodman.jpg

He reminds me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on it.

His posture while shooting reminds me of prime Bibby for some reason. How low he gets while dribbling sort of reminds me of Eddie House too.

[ProfessorMurder]

Oh my good God Stiemsma! :bowdown:

[Derka]

Aw man, Stiemer getting jobbed by the refs. Being a rookie sucks.

[Celtic_Pride]

Stiemer's last block was ridiculous!

[Derka]

Biyombo either travels or commits an egregious 3-seconds violation on nearly every single offensive possession.

[Kevin_Garnett_5]

:bowdown: Bradley

[CLTHornets4eva]

Aw man, Stiemer getting jobbed by the refs. Being a rookie sucks.

Um. He just got his last rebound in an obvious over the back. :coleman:

[tommy3]

How many of these Bobcats would get p.t. on a different team?

[BlackWhiteGreen]

lol Rondo has been lazy as shit and got 20/15.

[nycelt84]

If I paid a ticket to see this game I'd very upset to have to see the Bobcats obviously lose another game while not getting to see the Big 3 in whats most likely their last appearance on the same team in Charlotte.

[ProfessorMurder]

lol Rondo has been lazy as shit and got 20/15.

20/16/6 with no big 3, and he only went hard in the first quarter. So sick.

[KG215]

20/16/6 with no big 3, and he only went hard in the first quarter. So sick.

Sick indeed, but he also did it against arguably the worst NBA team of all-time.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Sick indeed, but he also did it against arguably the worst NBA team of all-time.
But without a single real scorer on his side. Bottom line, they were NBA players. Rondo is rolling, he can get assists against anyone with anyone.

[chips93]

Sick indeed, but he also did it against arguably the worst NBA team of all-time.

and not getting nearly enough publicity for it either, i barely hear about how awful they are

[Celtics 1825]

Bobcats lose by 12 to a Celtics team without KG Pierce and Ray? Lmao just shows how badly they suck :roll:

[DuMa]

Bobcats lose by 12 to a Celtics team without KG Pierce and Ray? Lmao just shows how badly they suck :roll:

or how obvious theyre tanking.

[UtahJazzFan88]

or how obvious theyre tanking.

Where are they tanking? They're just plain awful with no talent.

[jdm_dc_fan]

Imagine if Westbrook where at the sg spot and you throw in rondo at the pg spot.!! Stupid shit I dream about lol

[SevereUpInHere]

I might get flamed by Celtic fans for this, but surely Rondo is more important to this team than Ray, could even argue he's the most important player for you guys.

[kNIOKAS]

my after-reactions:

Rondo with 8 turnovers :wtf: Lazy ass bum
Stiemsma with 6 blocks :banana: good job Greg
Bass is alright

[Prodigy]

Celtics at full strength lose to depleted Raptors.

Celtics without their 3 best win against Bobcats.

Goes to show how INSANELY bad the Cats are.

I've got some strange premonition that they won't get the first pick and will end up drafting Barnes who will, surprise surprise, turn out to be a huge bust.

[ProfessorMurder]

I might get flamed by Celtic fans for this, but surely Rondo is more important to this team than Ray, could even argue he's the most important player for you guys.

A lot of us have been saying he's the best/most important part of the team for like 2 years.

[jamal99]

I've got some strange premonition that they won't get the first pick and will end up drafting Barnes who will, surprise surprise, turn out to be a huge bust.
Everybody thinks that this guy will end up as a bust (me too), but he will still go top 5. Question is why. I watched some UNC games and there's no reason to draft him that high...

[Harison]

A lot of us have been saying Rondo on the National TV is the best/most important part of the team for like 2 years.

Fixed. Other than that, Rondo is not more important than Pierce, and even less important than KG. Celtics offense is terrible (at the very bottom of NBA), however the only reason Cs will be in the Playoffs or even a contender - suffocating D. I dont need to remind anyone who anchors it :D

[Lebron23]

Bobcats sucks.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Fixed. Other than that, Rondo is not more important than Pierce, and even less important than KG. Celtics offense is terrible (at the very bottom of NBA), however the only reason Cs will be in the Playoffs or even a contender - suffocating D. I dont need to remind anyone who anchors it :D
It's not just National TV, he has been on a 20-game double-digit assis streak, a feat the NBA hasn't seen in decades. KG's rejuvenation at center was a major factor and you never disregard the team's top scorer but Rondo is undoubtedly the engine of the offense with is league-leading apg. An offense that isn't as bad as you make it out to be. The ppg is low because the pace is slower and there are no offensive rebounds. They're still fifth in FG %age and the fact that Rondo leads the league in assists on a team that's 21st in possessions per game just makes it more impressive. The Celtics are a good team for the half-court with shooters but they don't field the kind of open-floor athletes that would maximize Rondo's fast break attack.

[Harison]

It's not just National TV, he has been on a 20-game double-digit assis streak, a feat the NBA hasn't seen in decades. KG's rejuvenation at center was a major factor and you never disregard the team's top scorer but Rondo is undoubtedly the engine of the offense with is league-leading apg. An offense that isn't as bad as you make it out to be. The ppg is low because the pace is slower and there are no offensive rebounds. They're still fifth in FG %age and the fact that Rondo leads the league in assists on a team that's 21st in possessions per game just makes it more impressive. The Celtics are a good team for the half-court with shooters but they don't field the kind of open-floor athletes that would maximize Rondo's fast break attack.

PTS/G: 91.7 (26th of 30)
Off Rtg: 100.8 (28th of 30)
Pace: 90.4 (20th of 30) - pace is half decent, Off Rating is not.

Do you know where such offense would lead to without defense? Lottery team, battling at the bottom of NBA.

Assist streak is impressive, but Rondo stats pads them, instead of looking to score. Veterans can no longer carry the team offensively, therefore I expected Rondo to pick up the load, I was wrong - he continues to stat pad assists while coasting in general. 20-10 should be the least what he can do, and if he would play as hard as Rose or others, Rondo could average 25-10-5. He is capable of superstar contribution, but Rondo is satisfied with barely All-star level play, with flashes of greatness now and then, most often on the National TV.

Now defense - Def Rtg: 98.1 (1st of 30), thats the ONLY reason Celtics in the Playoffs, and no - Rondo doesnt anchor it. What he anchors - bottom offense of NBA. Assist are great, but scoring is needed when grandpas can no longer do it.

TL;DR: remove KG, and Celtics are lottery team. Remove Rondo, and Celtics still Playoffs team. Wouldnt go far - but same is expected now. Therefore Rondo isnt the most important player on the Celtics. KG > Pierce > Rondo.

[Real Men Wear Green]

PTS/G: 91.7 (26th of 30)
Off Rtg: 100.8 (28th of 30)
Pace: 90.4 (20th of 30) - pace is half decent, Off Rating is not.Again: They're 5th in FG %age. The pace is not a problem, it's intentional. If they want greater pace all they have to do is run more and shoot more quickly. They don't because the team is old. If you watch the Celtics you know that the offense is effective.


Do you know where such offense would lead to without defense? Lottery team, battling at the bottom of NBA.Defense is still the greater strength but you're acting like the offense doesn't work when it's really just a matter of old guys preserving their legs.

Assist streak is impressive, but Rondo stats pads them, instead of looking to score. Veterans can no longer carry the team offensively, therefore I expected Rondo to pick up the load, I was wrong - he continues to stat pad assists while coasting in general. 20-10 should be the least what he can do, and if he would play as hard as Rose or others, Rondo could average 25-10-5. He is capable of superstar contribution, but Rondo is satisfied with barely All-star level play, with flashes of greatness now and then, most often on the National TV.Great scorers pad their scoring numbers, so what if Rondo gives it to a teammate when it's a 2- or 2-0 fast break? It's not like the offense isn't working. Rondo isn't Rose, he's one of the most predominantly pass-first pgs trhe game has ever seen. 25 ppg? I have no idea where you get that from but that's one number he couldn't reach if he wanted to. The offense works, if he's going all-out to scrore it doesn't, he'd be some 19 ppg 40% chuck while we have Pierce, KG, Allen, etc. pining for shots. Then the offense would really be as bad as you think it is. Rondo isn't a scorr, it's neither his job nor his nature.

[Harison]

Again: They're 5th in FG %age. The pace is not a problem, it's intentional. If they want greater pace all they have to do is run more and shoot more quickly. They don't because the team is old. If you watch the Celtics you know that the offense is effective.

I know offense is efficient, but I wouldnt call if effective - scoring is too low. If offense would be the backbone of Celtics - they would be a lottery team, no question about it. Someone has to score, and Rondo scores even less than he did two years ago - last season he decided to go for the assists title, and same continues this season.



Defense is still the greater strength but you're acting like the offense doesn't work when it's really just a matter of old guys preserving their legs.

I'm just pointing out who is the most important player on the Celtics, and its not Rondo. If KG wouldnt anchor the BEST defense in NBA, Rondo would be great pass-first PG at the bottom of NBA.



Great scorers pad their scoring numbers, so what if Rondo gives it to a teammate when it's a 2- or 2-0 fast break? It's not like the offense isn't working. Rondo isn't Rose, he's one of the most predominantly pass-first pgs trhe game has ever seen. 25 ppg? I have no idea where you get that from but that's one number he couldn't reach if he wanted to. The offense works, if he's going all-out to scrore it doesn't, he'd be some 19 ppg 40% chuck while we have Pierce, KG, Allen, etc. pining for shots. Then the offense would really be as bad as you think it is. Rondo isn't a scorr, it's neither his job nor his nature.

I understand Rondo is pass-first PG, but if scoring is needed - he has to pick up the load. Is KG a center with his thin frame? No, but he is working his ass off to help the team, Rondo doesnt. He can score 30, and 20+ should be average for him, if he wanted to, if he would address his weaknesses. Two seasons ago Rondo was averaging 13.7 at 50.8%, now he does only 12.1 at 44.6%, his FT% is also droping. Why he is regressing when entering prime? Thats why Rondo will never be superstar - he doesnt have the will to consistently dominate, or work ethics.

[Real Men Wear Green]

I know offense is efficient, but I wouldnt call if effective - scoring is too low. If offense would be the backbone of Celtics - they would be a lottery team, no question about it. Someone has to score, and Rondo scores even less than he did two years ago - last season he decided to go for the assists title, and same continues this season.They're 21st in pace and don't get offensive boards. Efficient vs. effective? That's a pretty irrelevant splitting of hairs. The offense gets the job done.


I'm just pointing out who is the most important player on the Celtics, and its not Rondo. If KG wouldnt anchor the BEST defense in NBA, Rondo would be great pass-first PG at the bottom of NBA.
It's probably not as good of an overall defense as Chi or Miami. The D is also effected by the pace, less possessions leads to less scoring by the opposition as well as the Cs and defensively the Cs give up too many offensive boards. KG is extremely important and if he had been the guy he's been the second half of the season for the whole season I might agree with you. But he wasn't.


I understand Rondo is pass-first PG, but if scoring is needed - he has to pick up the load. Is KG a center with his thin frame? No, but he is working his ass off to help the team, Rondo doesnt. He can score 30, and 20+ should be average for him, if he wanted to. Two seasons ago Rondo was averaging 13.7 at 50.8%, now he does only 12.1 at 44.6%. Why he is regressing when entering prime? Thats why Rondo will never be superstar - he doesnt have the will to consistently dominate, or work ethics.
Scoring was needed last night and so he did pick up the load. But generally speaking it's better for him to get Pierce, Allen, Bass, KG etc. shots than go for his own shot. He's a point guard, that's his role and he does it extremely well. The Cs have had one of the best records since the ASG. If he takes it upon himself to chuck up to 20 ppg does that make the Cs better? He's not shown that he can carry a team with his coring consistently. He has shown he can carry a team with passing and triple doubles (another area he leads the league, and by a large margin). You see some kind of regression but what the NBA is seeing is the assist leader. I have no idea why you think he should average over 20 but whatever. The Cs are rolling and Rondo is one of the best pgs in the league.

[Harison]

They're 21st in pace and don't get offensive boards. Efficient vs. effective? That's a pretty irrelevant splitting of hairs. The offense gets the job done.

Whats so hard to understand - Celtics overall offense is at the bottom of NBA. Its good enough for a lottery team.



It's probably not as good of an overall defense as Chi or Miami. The D is also effected by the pace, less possessions leads to less scoring by the opposition as well as the Cs and defensively the Cs give up too many offensive boards. KG is extremely important and if he had been the guy he's been the second half of the season for the whole season I might agree with you. But he wasn't.

So its not the defense whats keeping Celtics afloat? Cool, so what is it? Pace? :oldlol: No defense and Celtics a lottery team, fact.




Scoring was needed last night and so he did pick up the load. But generally speaking it's better for him to get Pierce, Allen, Bass, KG etc. shots than go for his own shot. He's a point guard, that's his role and he does it extremely well. The Cs have had one of the best records since the ASG. If he takes it upon himself to chuck up to 20 ppg does that make the Cs better? He's not shown that he can carry a team with his coring consistently. He has shown he can carry a team with passing and triple doubles (another area he leads the league, and by a large margin). You see some kind of regression but what the NBA is seeing is the assist leader. I have no idea why you think he should average over 20 but whatever. The Cs are rolling and Rondo is one of the best pgs in the league.

Whats so hard to understand:

1) Rondo has weaknesses. He doesnt address them, he actually regresses.

2) Celtics veterans no longer can carry the scoring load, who do we look for? A young star, who "I'm here for assists, and I wont improve my scoring so dont ask for it"? Its sad when you think about it.

ALL stars and superstars had weaknesses when they came to NBA. The difference between actual superstars and just talented players is effort and mentality. If Rondo doesnt improve on his shortcomings, its on him.

Oh, and Celtics are rolling because of the defense, not because of bottom-of-NBA offense.

[Real Men Wear Green]

Whats so hard to understandThe effect of pace, apparently. To repeat myself: Less possessions leads to less points, both offensively as well as defensively. The team is 5th in FG%age in spite of your bold-faced type, the offense is not a weakness.

1) Rondo has weaknesses. He doesnt address them, he actually regresses.You on't really know what you're talking about here. He has one weakness: Shooting. The reason his FG %age regressed is he has taken more jumpers. Ironically enough, this would be how he would score more points, which you think he should be doing. This is also why, to repeat myself, he's not a scorer.


2) Celtics veterans no longer can carry the scoring load, who do we look for? A young star, who "I'm here for assists, and I wont improve my scoring so dont ask for it"? Its sad when you think about it.
No one ever made that statement, this is just silly. Was Jason Kidd at fault for years of pass-first play where he wasn't a scorer? Some guys just don't have a good jumper.


ALL stars and superstars had weaknesses when they came to NBA. The difference between actual superstars and just talented players is effort and mentality. If Rondo doesnt improve on his shortcomings, its on him.How often do we see a guy come into the NBA as a terrible shooter and turn into a good one by age 26? If you followed his career at all you would know that Rondo has constantly worked on his shooting throughout his career. But people that know about shooting know that it isn't easy to fix bad mechanics. Mark Price, who worked with Rondo on his shooting, has said as much. (http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x546148521/Shooting-coach-Rondos-shot-a-work-in-progress?keyword=secondarystory)


Oh, and Celtics are rolling because of the defense, not because of bottom-of-NBA offense.
You have this completely wrong-headed all-or-nothing mentality. You win because you scored more points. That involves offense as well as defense.

[PP34Deuce]

I keep saying rondo can have a jason Kidd type impact with athletes and shooters.

He also showed when the big 3 don't play he is capable of giving 16-17ppg mixed with 5-6 rebounds and 10-11 assists....

Those are prime Jason Kidd numbers with better athletiscm.

[teddytwelvetoes]

Rondo and KG are our most important players. Rondo runs the offense and KG runs the defense. Pierce is a close second behind them, almost a "1c" since he provides clutch scoring. The fourth quarter is "walk up to the defender and drain a contested jumper in his face with 18 seconds left on the shot clock" time for Pierce.

[Harison]

The effect of pace, apparently. To repeat myself: Less possessions leads to less points, both offensively as well as defensively. The team is 5th in FG%age in spite of your bold-faced type, the offense is not a weakness.

You are missing the big picture while focusing on contributing factors. Yes rebounding is a factor, so is pace, so is passing, efficiency, etc. etc., and end result is....? One of the worst offenses in NBA, 26th in scoring, 28th in Off rating.

You can hide behind any singled-out contributing factor, but fact remains - no defense means Celtics are in the very bottom of NBA by their offense-only.

Maybe simple example will make you understand the truth - team could have 100% FG, but if total amount scored is 80 and they have no defense, team will be at the bottom of NBA, and its completely pointless to hide behind "but their FG% is 100!", "offense gets it done!". Really? They are dead last in NBA. The ONLY reason Celtics arent in the bottom with their offense, is defense.



You on't really know what you're talking about here. He has one weakness: Shooting. The reason his FG %age regressed is he has taken more jumpers. Ironically enough, this would be how he would score more points, which you think he should be doing. This is also why, to repeat myself, he's not a scorer.

Nope, you havent followed Rondo close enough.

2009 - 13.7 PPG, 50.8 FG%, 62.1 FT%. Jumpers: 48% (37.4 eFG%), Inside: 52% (65.1 eFG%).
2012 - 12.1 PPG, 44.6 FG%, 59.8 FT%. Jumpers: 49% (33.1 eFG%), Inside: 51% (57.3 eFG%).

Rondo jumpers/inside shots ratio remained pretty much the same - within 1% difference, while shooting regressed from everywhere - jumpers, layups, dunks, FT, etc.



How often do we see a guy come into the NBA as a terrible shooter and turn into a good one by age 26? If you followed his career at all you would know that Rondo has constantly worked on his shooting throughout his career. But people that know about shooting know that it isn't easy to fix bad mechanics. Mark Price, who worked with Rondo on his shooting, has said as much. (http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x546148521/Shooting-coach-Rondos-shot-a-work-in-progress?keyword=secondarystory)

I wont even mentioned superstars like MJ, lets see someone lower-profile like Bass - he was a terrible shooter:

2005 - 51% jumpers, 25 eFG%.
2006 - 55% jumpers, 20.8 eFG%. :wtf:

2012 - 76% jumpers, 45.8 eFG%. - Bass 26 yrs old.

I know Rondo was working out with Price, he was working with Ray too. But its not enough to have training camps, you have to work extensively and daily, all year, every year. Thats how Jordan from average player in HS (was even cut from the team) became GOAT. You dont get there just by few training camps and some jumpshooting practices now and then.

From your own article in 2009:

"by the time the playoffs come around in April, you should expect Rajon Rondo to shoot the ball better than he ever has before."

"My theory is you can make yourself into a good shooter," said Price. "You can't make yourself a great shooter. I think some guys have a knack and feel that other guys don't have. But everybody can work and improve and become a better shooter with the right technique and work ethic."

2009 - 50.8 FG%, 62.1 FT%
2010 - 47.5 FG%, 56.8 FT%.
2011 - 44.6 FG%, 59.8 FT%.

Mark Price was expecting Rondo to shoot "better than he ever has before" in half a year, yet Rondo was regressing ever since. He has the right technique, therefore he doesnt have work ethics, a la Shaq (who also worked with the best FT shooter in the World).

Even if Rondo would be physically incapable to shoot jumpers (if anyone wants to believe it, I have bridges to sell :D ), he could definitely improve his layups - he can only score wide open layups. As soon as he is challenged - Rondo is either blocked or shoots beyond terrible shot. He hits a prayer rarely, but player of such caliber should have learned by now how to do layups properly.



You have this completely wrong-headed all-or-nothing mentality. You win because you scored more points. That involves offense as well as defense.

If not Celtics defense, they would be in the bottom of NBA basing on their offense. Whats not clear?