Rajon Rondo trade RTOE
By Ian Levy
Ending years of speculation, the Boston Celtics traded Rajon Rondo tonight, sending him to the Dallas Mavericks in return for a 1st round pick, Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, and Jameer Nelson. Because of the importance of this trade and its impact on the league, we held an emergency Rajon Rondo trade RTOE. Let’s get into it.
1. Grade this trade for Boston
Jack (@jackhaveitall): F. They lost by far the best player and got almost nothing in return. Jae Crowder is a replaceable deep bench guy, Jameer Nelson is at the end of his career, Brandan Wright is a nice big man, but is on an expiring contract and might not even be on the team next year, and the 1st round pick will be way towards the back end.
Zach (@ZachOliverNBA): D. They gave up the best player in the deal, and they got a few guys who probably won’t be a real piece going forward. Maybe they’re able to keep Brandon Wright, but the best thing they got is a first rounder that’s going to end up being in the 20’s. That just doesn’t seem like enough for a guy who has the potential to be an All-NBA guy.
Chris (@ChrisBarnewall): C. The Celtics had to move on from Rajon Rondo to progress as a team. Now that they have, they’re beginning a new era in the Celtics franchise. As far as the actual trade? It was alright, they got a nice piece in Brandon Wright, but most of these players are gonna be on the trade block in February. It’s hard to fault the Celtics for the pieces they got though, because Rondo was most likely going to leave in free agency anyway.
Matt (@Matt_Cianfrone): D. They lost the best player in the trade, and while I like Brandon Wright, I don’t think he can be the player centerpiece of a deal for a player like Rondo. That pick isn’t going to be in the lottery so I just don’t get it from Boston’s end. There had to be more out there.
2. Grade this trade for Dallas
Jack: A. They made a huge improvement at the point guard position, and gave up almost nothing to do so. Losing Wright will hurt a bit, as he played a nice role for them, but it’s peanuts to pay when you get Rondo in return.
Zach: A. You add one of the best floor generals out there and give up pretty much nothing, you’re getting a good grade. Losing Wright hurts a bit because he fit there so perfectly and played a big role, but I’d imagine they find a way to replace him.
Chris: A. I’m not sure why this trade has received the criticism it did. Rondo is an all-star caliber player and the Mavericks have Rick Carlisle. Those two can figure out how to maximize his talents, and in my opinion Rondo is one of the best players in the NBA when it comes to making good plays even better.
Matt: B. Adding Rondo to fix the point guard problems is big, but I hate losing Wright. He was a great insurance policy for Tyson Chandler and one of the more underrated bench players in the league. It looks like either Greg Smith or Jermaine O’Neal will be the replacement and that isn’t great. Also I’m not 100 percent sold on Rondo fitting well right away.
3. Are you in or out on the Rondo/Monta backcourt?
Jack: All the way in from a fandom standpoint. These are two of my favorite players to watch in the league. As for how they work together, it will be interesting to see. Both thrive with the ball in their hands, so that could be an issue to start, but I think in the long run it will be an electrifying tandem.
Zach: I have a foot in the door, but also have one out. I’m interested to see how Monta does with a real point guard next to him, and see how Rondo does with a guy who can handle the ball some and allow him to play off of it some. It could be real good, but it could backfire some also.
Chris: I’m in, but this is definitely the biggest question about Rondo’s fit. Monta, while he has it all, loves to have the ball in his hands. Rondo isn’t exactly an off ball player. I think it can work but it’s gonna need 15-20 games to figure it all out.
Matt: In but only because Rick Carlisle is the one that will be making it work.
4. Have you cried since hearing about this trade?
Jack: There are tears falling on the keyboard as I type.
Zach: This is blogging. We don’t cry.
Chris: Yes, I stubbed my toe and it was horrible.
Matt: Only because I keep remembering the Jabari news.
5. How does the trade affect your perceptions of Dallas as a Western Conference contender?
Jack: It’s a cop out, but I think we have to wait a few weeks to really know. I mean, obviously this increases their chances, but I still don’t think I’d put them in the top tier with Golden State and Memphis.
Zach: I think they’re a little bit better, but I don’t know if they can hang with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs or even Oklahoma City Thunder. I hinted at it before, but their depth in the front court is going to be an issue going forward, it just depends on who, if anyone, they get to help them out up there.
Chris: They were a great team that remained great. I’m not sure if they got so much better as to jump the Rockets, Spurs, Grizzlies, or Warriors but they gave themselves a better chance at doing so.
Matt: It doesn’t. The Mavs will still be a tough out but in the playoffs when spacing cramps, Rondo and Ellis together is going to be a problem and he doesn’t change the defense enough. It definitely makes the Mavs better but not enough that I consider them real contenders.
6. Give a reason why people should watch the Celtics the rest of the year
Jack: Marcus Smart. Marcus Smart. Marcus Smart.
Zach: Marcus Smart is fun, and Kelly Olynyk is starting to get things going. Also, Jeff Green, assuming he doesn’t get traded, can dunk on anyone at any given time. They’ll be bad, but they’ve got some nice young pieces moving forward.
Chris: Even without Rondo, the Celtics have a lot of nice pieces that are forming together to play some really fun basketball. Oh and now it’s Marcus Smart’s team. If Smart can put together a rookie of the year campaign, he might become must see TV.
Matt: Marcus Smart and hopefully some James Young.
7. What was your favorite Rondo moment as a Celtic?
Jack:
Zach: Any time he would ball fake is great, so, let’s go with a handful of those, shall we?
Chris: Rajon Rondo used to put up National TV triple doubles like nobody’s business. This game was one of my favorites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnc9ez485vI
Matt: The Jason Williams dive for sure.