Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

3 things Rajon Rondo can add to the roster in Cleveland

By Chad Porto

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Rajon Rondo # 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Rajon Rondo # 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Jan 7, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington (33) is called for a flagrant foul during the first half against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo (10 at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington (33) is called for a flagrant foul during the first half against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo (10 at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

The one thing that fans keep forgetting that Ricky Rubio did during his tenure with the Cavs was to play incredible defense; posting a RAPTOR score of +3.1. That type of defense was essential for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the passing, inside scoring, and occasional three-point shooting aren’t as impressive with Rajon Rondo, what is would be his defense. Rondo can lock down just about anyone still, even at his age.

So far in 2021-2022, Rondo has put up a defensive RAPTOR of +1.5. It’s one of his best seasons in recent memories. That type of play in J.B. Bickerstaff’s defense should only see him excel. Since defense is a lot more effort and energy than anything, a guy like Rondo, playing 20+ minutes a game, should have no problem excelling at getting in front of a guard and fighting through screens.

Sure, his three-point shooting game is about as present as LeBron James’ hairline these days, but that doesn’t mean that his defense won’t make up for it. Rondo is the perfect player for the Cavs, who love transition scoring. Rondo is still a great facilitator, so combine that with his defensive prowess, and cunning decision-making, and the Cavaliers should have a player that can fill in for Rubio as well as anyone.

Next. The Cavs are projected to win a crazy amount of games this season. dark

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers