Bill Simmons provides this observation.
From Boston's game against Detroit on Dec.19 to Game 2 of the Atlanta series Wednesday, the difference in Rondo's on-court demeanor is remarkable. But he is still identified as the little guy with few words.
(Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Not even when he learn that he is voted fifth on NBA Most Improved Player list.
Back in December, when Chauncey Billups abuse Rondo in the second half of an eventual defeat, the starting PG looks very green. It doesn't seem like he will be ready, at least this season.
But Rondo keeps getting better and better through the winter, and there is a pivotal moment in March when Rafer Alston gets physical with him on the opening tip and Rondo belts him back, then defiantly stands his ground, ready to trade punches in a nationally televised road game.
He has thrived in Game 2, controling the tempo, banging home open jumpers, barking orders at teammates, outplaying Mike Bibby for the second straight game.
Rondo's transformation draws comparison to Tony Parker, who is into similiar situation, improved mightily in his sophomore season and played a pivotal role for San Antonio's 2003 championship. Playing for the same stakes on a similar team, Rondo is further ahead of the '03 Parker, which gives us an indication of his potential and where he's sitting already.
In Rondo's case, there are two great "What ifs?": What if the KG and Allen trades never happened? And what if Phoenix had just drafted him in 2006 instead of selling the pick? Would Rondo have been better off or worse off in Phoenix backing up Nash? We'll never know, just like we'll never know if he would have matured into a potential All-Star without Garnett and company.
But we do know what we see, and here's what we see: someone who has noticeably improved as a shooter and a leader, someone who has emerged as an elite defender. The best thing you could say about Rajon Rondo is he brings a lot of stuff to the table and doesn't take much off it. The second best thing you could say is he's lucky enough to have influential teammates sitting at that same table.
