It’s Time For Rajon Rondo To Show His Worth

When New Orleans inked Rajon Rondo to a one-year, $3.3 million deal this summer they knew what they were getting; veteran leadership with exceptional court vision and a championship pedigree. Heading into the final five games of the regular season the Pelicans need these aforementioned attributes from the point guard to come alive now more than ever.

A week ago the league was talking up the New Orleans Pelicans, saying they could be a serious problem for many teams during the early rounds of the postseason. They were resting comfortably in the fifth seed out West and seemed to be a shoo-in for a playoff spot. Now, a week and a few losses later, the Pelicans have dropped down to the eighth seed and are frighteningly close to missing the postseason for the third straight year.

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Another season with Anthony Davis packing up his bags in early April is simply not good for the league. The New Orleans Pelicans need to show their franchise cornerstone what a winning culture feels like. Sure the Pelicans made the postseason back in 2015, but one appearance in six years is not enough to satisfy a talent like AD.

The Pelicans are in troubled waters right now. One loss, and they could potentially fall behind the ninth seeded Denver Nuggets, thus having them on the outside looking in. With only five games left on their schedule, each contest should be seen as a “must win.” During this home-run stretch, the Pelicans need their impact players to step up in a big way. Yes, this refers to the likes of Davis, Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic and E’Twuan Moore. However, perhaps the teams most vital contributor during this playoff push, is their most seasoned player: Rajon Rondo.

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Say what you will about the man, but Rajon Rondo is a proven winner. During his 12-year career Rondo has made the postseason on seven different occasions, one of those years ending with a championship. He has been to the NBA Finals twice, and the Eastern Conference Finals thrice. And, while he may be aging (32), if last years playoff appearance with the Bulls is any indicator, the point guard may still have a little left in the tank. If this is the case, it certainly will come in handy for the suddenly struggling Pelicans.

Under such pressure and with odds strongly against them, it’s easy to see New Orleans cracking. However, if anyone can take command of this sinking ship and manage to keep them afloat, it’s Rajon Rondo. Once deemed the “coach-on-the-court” by yours truly (me), Rondo’s Basketball I.Q. is rivaled by few others.

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While his teammates understand just how smart he is in regards to the game, it’s time now for the world to see it. Is Rondo NOLA’s best player? Of course not! But when he’s playing well, this team looks like a completely different ball-club. If the Pelicans wish to lock-up a playoff spot, their veteran point guard needs to help guide them. In fact, he is the teams most important contributor at this point. Now, more than ever, it’s Rondo’s time to show his worth to the New Orleans Pelicans.