When the New Orleans Pelicans brought in veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, they knew what type of player they were going to get; a seasoned veteran with a defensive prowess and playmaking abilities that are invaluable to an organization. They understood Rondo would be taking on the role of team leader for this relatively young squad. Now, only 2 months into his tenure with the franchise, leadership is illuminating off of the 11-year pro.
Last month, Pelicans players squared off during a voluntary scrimmage in Lexington, Kentucky, to try and get acclimated to one another’s style of play before the start of the regular season on October 18th. The usual suspects of Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Jrue Holiday were all in attendance for the scrimmage, as were some other familiar faces. And while you’d suspect “Boogie” and the “Brow” to have been the standout performers from the day, it was New Orleans’ biggest offseason signing Rajon Rondo who stole the show.
Coming off a rollercoaster of a season filled with more low points than high, Rondo comes to New Orleans for redemption. He comes with a purpose; to show he still has what it takes to thrive in this league. And, after his stellar showing at the team scrimmage last month, he’s already made a strong case for himself, especially in the eyes of his new teammates.
“There’s an elite point guard with good vision“, New Orleans’ 2nd year Center Cheick Diallo tells Pelicans.com reporter Jim Eichenhofer in reference to the veteran guard. “(In halfcourt offense), every time I pick for him, the pocket (pass) is open, so he throws it to me every time. Your hands have to be ready.”
Right off the bat Rondo, a career 8.5 APG player, has shown his teammates he’s more than capable of finding the open man. Not only that, but the point guards high Basketball I.Q is something the team can’t stop raving about.
“He studies other teams and pays attention to detail,” E’Twaun Moore tells Eichenhofer. “A lot of times you will hear him say (about the opponent), ‘I know what set they’re running! Watch for this, this and this coming.’ ”
At the ripe age of 31, it’s fair to assume Rondo has lost a step to his game. For instance, he may not be as quick or as acrobatic as he was 6 years ago, for thats due to his ongoing battle with father time.
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However, something age can have a positive impact on is the human brain. The more time that passes, equates to more experiences in life. With those experiences come knowledge. After 11 years playing at the professional level, one can assume Rondo possesses an ample amount of basketball experience or, in other words, knowledge.
"“Everybody was listening to him and getting into the right spots…”-Jalen Jones on Rajon Rondo"
With Rondo just being on the court, he’s teaching his fellow teammates something new every day. New Orleans’ rookie small forward Jalen Jones claims that during the scrimmage, Rondo was very talkative while on the hardwood.
“He’s a vocal leader and a competitor.” Jones tells Pelicans.com. “I’ve been talking a lot to him – that’s one guy I think I can learn a lot from.”
While Rondo may not be the first, second, or even third best player on New Orleans, the knowledge and leadership he brings to the organization is something that is irreplaceable. And, although he may not have been the “splashiest” singing made this summer, Rondo plays a key role for the Pelicans this season.
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He comes in taking on the role of team leader, somewhat of a guide or a tutor for his teammates to learn from. A “coach-on-the-court” if you will.
And there’s nothing wrong with that!