Rajon Rondo was recently traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Cleveland Cavaliers and it looks like a little change of scenery was exactly what the doctor ordered for the legendary point guard.
Although he’s only played with the Cavs for two games, he is showing signs of promise and power that simply were not there in the weeks before.
Once again, people counted out Rondo and said he was a washed-up shell of his former self.
Once again, it looks like he might be proving them wrong.
Rejuvenated Rondo
In Rondo’s first outing for the Cavs, he scored 11 points, had five rebounds, and three assists.
Additionally, the former Boston Celtics superstar was five-for-six from the free-throw line.
Then on Sunday night in a loss against the Golden State Warriors, Rondo created 15 points – including 11 in the fourth quarter alone.
Rajon Rondo has 11 points in the 4th quarter 👀 pic.twitter.com/mNm35P9SYD
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 🗣️ (@_Talkin_NBA) January 10, 2022
While those might not be the sort of numbers to blow your hair back, you have to consider what Rondo was doing just days before.
Here’s his point output for the games immediately preceding his first with Cleveland: zero, zero, five, three, four, zero.
Granted, his minutes were limited in those final few games with the Lakers but as you can see, he’s already producing a lot more for the Cavs.
More importantly, he is showing flashes of his former self when it comes to his speed and enthusiasm.
There are many great things to say about Rondo but he’s also unfortunately known for phoning it in when he doesn’t feel committed to a team (take note of his short time with the Dallas Mavericks).
That doesn’t seem to be the case so far, Rondo looks happy and invigorated playing for the Cavaliers.
He also looks healthy and fast again too.
This is all very good news for the Cavaliers, especially this year when they actually have a chance to make it far in the postseason.
The Cavs’ Crusade
You might not have expected it just a few months ago but the Cavaliers are doing far better than they have in years.
The last couple of weeks have been a bit rougher for them but this team is head-and-shoulders above what we’ve seen over the last few years.
Unless they completely fall apart in the next few months, the Cavaliers are going into the playoffs – and having Rondo on their side will be a huge boon for them.
When he’s playing at his best, there are few other point guards in the league who rival Rondo in terms of playmaking and assists.
On this date in 2011, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics dished out 23 assists in a 105-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Hooray Rajon Rondo!
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) January 5, 2022
Even after 16 seasons in the NBA, Rondo still looks and plays smarter than so many others – his basketball IQ is just off the charts.
The Cavs are mostly composed of younger players, which is also an important attribute for achieving success in the league.
But with that youth needs intelligence and experience – that’s what the Cavs were receiving with the injured Ricky Rubio and that’s definitely what they’re getting with Rondo too.
If Rondo remains healthy in the months ahead, he will undoubtedly be a major benefit for the Cleveland squad as they push into the playoffs.
These first few games are just a tease of what could possibly be coming from him.
Some people scoffed when the Cavs landed Rondo but it now looks like it was the right move for this young, promising team.
NEXT: Kevin Love Looks Like His Old Self Again