Pelica Debrief
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What Effect Will Rajon Rondo’s Departure Have on the New Orleans Pelicans?

By Chris Bolton

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans argues with the referee during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans argues with the referee during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
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Rajon Rondo played an integral part in the Pelicans postseason success last season. We were able to see Jrue Holiday thrive in an off-ball role and watch Anthony Davis score more effortless buckets. What impact will his absence have on the team, and what plan does the Pelicans have in place to fill the void?

Playoff Rondo. A term I heard so much during the postseason that I’m pleasantly surprised didn’t make a guest appearance in one of my dreams. We all have witnessed Rondo’s wonders in the playoffs. Whether it was recently helping spearhead the Pels in a sweep of the Portland Trailblazers or even putting the Bulls in position to defeat the top seeded Celtics in the 2017 playoffs before getting injured.

Now, he’s taking that experience to Hollywood. According to Yahoo’s Shams Charania, Rondo is signing a one year deal worth $9 million to play for the Lakers. The agreement came shortly after news of the Lakers renouncing the rights to Julius Randle, making him an unrestricted free agent. The move freed up cap space for the Lakers to sign Rondo to a deal.

Although Rondo’s stint in the Big Easy was short lived, his impact on the team was definitely felt. Anthony Davis had another incredible season and was able to score easier and more efficiently with Rondo manning the point. We witnessed the two connect on countless alley-oop passes throughout the season.

Despite AD taking his game up to an MVP caliber level, Jrue Holiday benefited the most from Rondo’s presence. Holiday averaged a career high 19 PPG in the regular season and continued to average 23 PPG in the post-season playing alongside the famous Playoff Rondo. Holiday was able to focus on defending the other team’s best guard and creating shots/scoring opportunities on offense. This role suited him best because he is not a true point guard. Rather, he’s a combo guard who plays his best when given the freedom to just play ball on offense. Losing Rondo will definitely impact Holiday’s game. Also, the Pelicans are losing their floor general who led the NBA’s top paced offense for the second half of the season.

The Pelicans do have a plan in place to make up for his departure. Over the weekend, Elfrid Payton agreed to terms on a deal with the Pelicans. He’s a young point guard who has faced several bumps on the road in his NBA career. He wasn’t used properly in Orlando. To be honest, no one playing for the Magic ever is.

Coach Gentry should get the best out of Payton.  Payton is not a shooter but can get up and down the floor and play good defense. He will be put in position to succeed in Gentry’s system and will play with better talent than what he’s endured in Orlando and with the Phoenix Suns. Plus, at this point in Rondo’s career, Payton shapes up to be a younger and hungrier version of the vet.

Next: Two EuroLeague Players The New Orleans Pelicans Should Be Keeping Tabs On

Will the Pelicans miss Rajon Rondo? Yes! However, Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday are still on the roster. The Payton signing shows management has a plan in place for replacing him. This team will remain a threat in the West.