Looking ahead to the playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers made a key addition to their roster. They traded away Lou Williams to get Rajon Rondo, the floor general they were lacking.
And, even though Rondo has been hurt more often than not and hasn’t played as much as expected, he’s still finding ways to make an impact for his team come playoff time.
As a matter of fact, the veteran point guard is calling out the Dallas Mavericks’ sets in real-time, and that’s why they’re trying not to run too many plays, according to coach Rick Carlisle:
“He always knows what’s going on with the other team,” Carlisle said, as quoted by All Clippers. “He’s always calling out our plays and that’s why we’re trying not to run too many plays. He knows them all.”
“He’s a great all-around player. He impacts the game in every way,” the coach concluded.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Rajon Rondo has an elite basketball IQ and is one of the smartest and savviest players in the league. He’s an extension of the coach in the hardwood and knows how to break down plays like few other players.
Rondo’s expertise and antics always come in handy in the playoffs. He’s one of those players who just rise up to the occasion, and that’s why he was such a perfect pickup for a Clippers team that needed some veteran leadership.
Now, Rondo and the rest of the team will have to be near-perfect if they want to stand a chance against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, as they’ve fallen to a 0-2 hole and will now travel to hostile venues.
Maybe coach Lue should try shifting up things a little bit and starting Rondo over Patrick Beverley, who has struggled to keep Doncic in check throughout the first two games.
