Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Now that the Chicago Bulls have decided to hit the reset button, will they cut ties with Rajon Rondo? Here are five reasons why they should keep the veteran point guard.
When the Chicago Bulls signed Rajon Rondo last summer, it was deemed as a questionable move at best. This was partly because of how Rondo carried himself in his previous two stops.
He and Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle didn't exactly see eye-to-eye on things, which resulted in Rondo being benched in Game 2 of a first round playoff series against the Houston Rockets back in 2015.
Rondo didn't see in any playing time for the rest of that series.
This unfortunate trend continued during his lone season with the Sacramento Kings. He often clashed with former coach George Karl and was suspended after targeting an official with an anti-gay slur.
Taking those factors into consideration, it is understandable why this move was questioned in some circles. While Rondo did have his fair share of memorable moments with the Bulls during the 2016-17 campaign, here is a look at five reasons why they should consider making his $13.4 million contract fully guaranteed for next season.
Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) is defended by Boston Celtics center Amir Johnson (90) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
5. Professional attitude
It is no secret that Rondo had his share of not-so-great moments with the Bulls this past season. For example, the verbal altercation with assistant coach Jim Boylen that resulted in a one-game suspension.
How about the fact he was yanked in and out of the lineup at various points, and was removed from the rotation altogether for a five-game stretch? Each of these instances would have been disastrous if this had been a few years ago.
However, despite the uncertainty that surrounded his status during the second half of the season, Rondo remained professional for the most part.
While he did mention that he never received a clear explanation as to why he was removed from the lineup, he never said anything negative about the coaching staff, and carried himself in a business-like manner until his number was called.
Considering the circumstances, any starting player would have taken exception to being taken out of the rotation. And with all the twists and turns that took place, Rondo took the high road — something John Paxson and Gar Forman should think about as they continue to evaluate the situation.
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) , forward Doug McDermott (11) and teammates huddle up during the second half at Amway Center. Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
4. A voice for younger Bulls players
Aside from the inconsistency that plagued the Bulls' 2016-17 season, there was also some dissension between the veterans and younger players as well.
Following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks in late January, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler questioned the work ethic of their younger teammates. Conversely, Rondo defended his younger counterparts with a memorable Instagram post.
Rondo could have remained silent and no one would have thought any less of him for doing so. Instead, he stood up for players who were trying to create an identity for themselves during a trying season — something that was not lost on Paxson.
"To be candid with you … when he stood up for our young guys, that empowered them a little bit," Paxson told the Chicago Tribune. "It might be small, but there was some growth with our young guys. Because they felt they had a voice as a young player, and for us that was important."
Let that sink in for a moment. Here is a guy that has played at the highest level in the league, yet he cares enough to come to the defense of his younger teammates. This is an admirable attribute the front office should value as the team looks to usher in a new era of Bulls basketball.
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Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
3. Veteran presence for youth movement
Going into the offseason, the Bulls had eight players on the roster that have three or less years of NBA experience. With the addition of the prospects they acquired in the Jimmy Butler trade, that total now stands at 11.
If you were to ask some of the younger players from last year's roster, Rondo is a guy they would like to keep around for awhile.
Here is what Nikola Mirotic had to say about Rondo.
"Along with Pau (Gasol), he's the best teammate I've ever had," Mirotic said, via CSN MidAtlantic. "I feel so comfortable with him and I think all the young guys do. He's very honest. He's talking all the time, supporting before the game, after the game, during the practice. He's always positive. Even if something is not going well, he's trying to help young players. It's been great to have him here."
Bobby Portis also had this to say about the veteran point guard.
"He meant a lot to me. He's like the brother I never had," Bobby Portis told the Chicago Tribune. "He always called me, making sure I was good. When I wasn't playing at the beginning of the year, he always invited me over to his house to eat, talk to me about other things going on. For him, it was bigger than basketball because you're only playing this game for so long. But the relationships that you build last forever."
In other words, Rondo not only proved his worth on the court, but away from the hardwood as well.
Now that the Bulls have officially entered rebuild mode, they will need at least one veteran who can teach the younger players about the nuisances of the game and what it takes to win on a nightly basis.
Needless to say, Rondo is the man for that job.
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 112-73. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Postseason production
To be totally objective, Rondo's production was not anything to be overly excited about. His 7.8 points per contest marked the lowest scoring average of his career since his rookie season.
While he posted a career-best 38 percent from beyond the arc, his overall conversion rate of 40.8 percent was the third-lowest mark of his career. To be fair, though, Rondo did average a double-double in 72 starts with the Kings last year, so it is reasonable to presume some of the drop-off can be attributed with being taken out of the lineup at multiple points during the season.
Another counterargument is Rondo played well once he was re-inserted into the starting lineup, including the first two games of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics.
In Games 1 and 2, Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per contest. Even more important, the Bulls' offense produced 108.5 points per outing in those two victories.
However, when Rondo was sidelined with an injury for the remaining games, the offense came to a halt, as Chicago managed just 90 points per outing in the four losses. Simply put, Rondo knows how to step up when he has to, and if he was healthy, it is conceivable the series could have played out differently.
Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) directs the play against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
1. The salary is worth the benefits
Yes, I purposely saved the financial aspect of this for last.
Why, you ask?
Well, while Rondo turned out to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise mediocre season, the salary for the second year of his deal is $13.4 million. With Wade already opting in at $23.8 million, this will be another considerable hit against the team's salary cap.
The question then becomes: Is Rondo worth such a hefty price tag?
Paxson certainly thought so and said as much during the team's postseason conference.
From CBSLocal.com:
"As we get younger, it's still really important to have quality veterans around your young players," Paxson said. "To a man, our young people loved Rajon. He was great in the locker room. He was great off the court with these guys. He took them under his wing in a lot of ways, and he was responsible for a lot of the good things that came from them. We have a lot of respect for Rajon, especially how he believes in the game."
On top of that, Fred Hoiberg expressed that he loved coaching Rondo and credited him with implementing an "exciting, fun" style of play that allowed the Bulls to finish the season with a 7-2 mark down the stretch.
Taking into consideration the statements from the front office, the head coach and his teammates, keeping Rondo in the mix appears to be a no-brainer. This especially holds true when you look at the remaining point guards on the roster.
By fully guaranteeing his salary for 2016-17, the Bulls would provide their core of young players with a veteran presence during the first year of the long-awaited rebuild. That's more than worth one year and $13.4 million.
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