Twitter Reaction to Rajon Rondo’s Rollercoaster Return to Boston Celtics

 Boston  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

In an NBA Atlantic Division showdown, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics by a score of 95-94 in overtime. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 16 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds, tallying his 14th career regular season triple-double.

Twitter’s reaction to Rondo’s roller coaster night, however, sums up the tale of two halves.

Rondo was phenomenal, for the most part, making 8-of-14 from the field and grabbing three offensive boards. His triple-double alone was impressive, but those numbers are down right nasty.

Especially when you remember that we’re talking about a 6’1″ point guard.

Even Rondo’s arch rival Los Angeles Lakers had some praise for the one-man band. Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles reports that Dwight Howard was the most impressed.

 

The Lakers’ locker room is enthralled watching Rajon Rondo’s near triple-double in the first half. DH: “The game just comes easy to him”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 8, 2012

 

At the half, Rondo had 14 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks on 7-of-11 shooting.  Minutes into the third quarter, he picked up the first of many triple-doubles to come in the 2012-13 regular season.

As one responder noted, who would have thought that assists would be the last thing he needed?

 

Rajon Rondo gets his first triple-double of the season with 2:43 left in the 3rd quarter. 16pts, 12rbs & 10asts.

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2012

 

Avid fans did not hesitate to sing Rondo’s praise, as the NBA’s triple-double master continues to shock and awe any crowd he finds. In fact, he has done so at a rate that no other point guard has even come close to matching.

Not even Chris Paul.

 

Rajon Rondo has 24 triple doubles from 2008-09 to 2012 (including playoffs), which is 3 times more than the next guard on the list (CP3, 8).

— Jared McKiernan (@jaredmmckiernan) December 8, 2012

 

Just for the record, Rondo has more triple-doubles since 2008-09 than LeBron James. Rondo rests at 24 while James sits at 21.

So where does he sit in Celtics history? Consider him the best of the post-Bird era in the triple-double category.

 

Most triple-doubles by Celtics player since 1992-93 season (1st season w/o Bird)– Rajon Rondo 14, Antoine Walker 13, Paul Pierce 6

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 8, 2012

 

That’s 14 in the regular season and another 10 in the playoffs.

One more statistic? Okay then.

 

Most triple doubles in last 3 seasons- Rajon Rondo 10 (including tonight), LeBron James 5, Andre Iguodala 4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 8, 2012

 

Unfortunately, not all went well for Rondo. Despite leading the Celtics to what should have been a victory, Rondo could not convert when it mattered most.

He slipped on his attempt at a buzzer-beating game-winner.

 

A tragic end to a magical evening in which Rondo went… Well, Rondo was just being Rondo.

Anyone still up for a debate about his being elite?

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Michael Beasley has become a worrying millstone for yet another team, this time with Phoenix (Ball Don’t Lie)

 Miami  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

In a week, the Phoenix Suns have gone from a “sure, they’re going to entertain; give ‘em a chance “-styled upstart to a disappointing batch of coconuts that has lost five straight in a run that seems more in line with the pessimistic win totals they were expected to rack up before 2012-13. Worse, in ways that Eric Freeman went over earlier on Friday , the Suns aren’t all that fun to watch anymore. Over the course of a week they’ve just about destroyed most of the goodwill that came from our initial interest in this plucky team featuring two entertaining big men, an up-tempo offense, and a cast of goofballs.
On the heels of the team’s ” Guaranteed Entertainment ” night that ranked as one of the least-entertaining games of the NBA week — nationally televised or otherwise — the always tactful Suns owner Robert Sarver decided to have a post-game meeting with his coach after being embarrassed on a TNT broadcast. A performance that possibly served as the newest career-low, more in terms of aesthetics than actual production, for Suns free agent prize Michael Beasley.
AZ Central’s Paul Coro, as is usually the case, is our go-to source :
Once the Suns’ 97-94 home loss to Dallas was over, Coach Alvin Gentry was asked if it was time to move Beasley to the bench.
“More than likely,” Gentry said.
Could he do it for Saturday’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers?
“Could possibly be,” Gentry said.
And then Gentry went into a closed-door meeting with Suns staff and Managing Partner Robert Sarver after five consecutive losses. The problem with the timing to demote Beasley now is Thursday night’s injury to P.J. Tucker. He was a candidate to replace Beasley at starting small forward but sprained the MCL in his right knee and did not return to the game. More on Tucker’s availability will be learned today.

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Chicago Bulls Players Making the Strongest Case for More Minutes

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

The 2012-13 Chicago Bulls have different chemistry than the past couple seasons, and as a result, it’s taking time to evaluate which members should carry the bulk of the minutes.

In recent games, certain players have been specifically making their case to log more minutes. They’ve done this through through eye-opening performances as well as showing increased comfort with their teammates.

The rotation for the Bulls is always subject to change on a given night. Coach Tom Thibodeau is not afraid to bench his starters if the bench players are in a groove.

Bulls fans have witnessed this plenty of times when it comes to Taj Gibson and Carlos Boozer. Gibson, a bench player, often plays the majority of the fourth quarter while Boozer cheers from the sidelines.

With this in view, which players should steadily begin to receive more playing time? Which players are impressing Coach Thibs and will likely become integral members of this Bulls squad?

Here we unpack these players and how they have much to be eager about as the season progresses.

*Stats used in this slideshow were as of December 6, 2012.

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5 Reasons Chicago Bulls Are Struggling Without Derrick Rose

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

The start to the 2012-2013 NBA season continues to drag on for the Chicago Bulls, who are trying to remain relevant and patient as their star guard, Derrick Rose, continues on his road to recovery.

Without Rose, the Bulls have fallen from an Eastern Conference powerhouse to a middle-of-the-pack team, desperately trying to maintain its reputation. 

At times, Chicago has looked about as good ever, playing tough defense and winning games. More often, however, we have seen a team that is struggling without its star and being left only to wait for his body to heal.

Let’s take an in-depth look at what exactly the Bulls are struggling with during Derrick Rose’s absence.

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Bulls News: Latest on Derrick Rose and Richard Hamilton Return Dates and More

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

Surviving injuries has been the overarching story of the 2012-13 Chicago Bulls‘ season, but the team may soon get a reprieve, with more news leaking by the day about Derrick Rose and Richard Hamilton’s possible return dates.

Though nothing is concrete for either player, positive signs have come out that hope may finally spring in what otherwise has been a mediocre campaign. Nevertheless, it’s not just Rose and Hamilton-related news out there for the Bulls. With the bench and other players struggling to find footing, the media has been working hard to get to the root of the team’s problems this season.

For that reason, here is a look at all the latest news floating around the organization. 

 

Derrick Rose “Just Weeks” Away From Practicing Again?

Though it’s far from a guarantee, there may be an extra Christmas present under the tree this year for Bulls fans. According to the Chicago Sun Times’ Joe Cowley, sources think that Derrick Rose could be just weeks away from returning to the floor with his teammates:

According to an NBA source, while ‘‘The Return’’ to the court for NBA games is still up in the air for Rose, the all-everything point guard could be just weeks away from practicing with the Bulls again after surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament last May.

Obviously, a return to practice doesn’t suddenly mean Rose is ahead of or behind schedule on his rehabilitation. It does, however, mean that a return should be coming at some point this season.

It’s been a popular trope among the hyperbolic community to say that the Bulls superstar should sit out the 2012-13 season and hope that the team tanks enough to get a high lottery pick. Spoiler alert: That’s not happening, folks. 

 

No Concrete Timetable on Richard Hamilton’s Return

After the Bulls reported that Richard Hamilton had a torn plantar fascia in his foot on Sunday, speculation began running rampant about how long it would take the aging guard to return. The team already has massive deficiencies in the backcourt with Rose still out and both Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler best suited for bench roles.

Unfortunately, coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t have much in terms of answers. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune (subscription required), Thibodeau said it would mostly be up to Hamilton’s pain threshold as to when he returns:

He has some soreness, but he’ll be fine. He’s had a number of different injuries, so he understands what he has to go through to get back. It could be a week. It could be two weeks. It could be longer. Once he feels good enough to play, he’ll be back.

Plantar fascia injuries are notoriously tricky, so it’s tough to pinpoint when Hamilton will suit up again. That’s likely why the team has been linked to both Marko Jaric and Maurice Evans in the days since Hamilton’s injury.

With a roster spot available, don’t be shocked if the team brings one of those two guys in on a non-guaranteed contract.

 

Taj Gibon Feels the Pressure of New Contract

A recent recipient of a shiny new four-year, $39 million contract, the 2012-13 season hasn’t gone as planned for Taj Gibson. He’s averaging just 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and shooting 41.7 percent from the field, all of which are career lows.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Nick Friedell, Gibson admitted that the pressure of the new contract has gotten to him: 

Of course I think about that. But then that’s too much … I can’t put too much pressure on myself. I have to just go out there and just do my job. There’s already added pressure wearing a Bulls jersey, but just thinking about all the other stuff that’s going to pull you down, you just have to go out there and just play and have fun.

The Bulls’ bench as a whole is struggling to come together as a cohesive unit, so it’s hard to blame Gibson alone. Nevertheless, with Omer Asik excelling in Houston, it’s not hard to wonder whether the team chose to keep the wrong big man.

 

Follow @tylerconway22

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Ranking the Chicago Bulls’ 10 Best Highlights of the 2012-13 Season to Date

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

Even though the exciting Derrick Rose hasn’t played a game yet this season (ACL injury), the Chicago Bulls have still come up with a ton of “can’t-miss” highlights thus far. 

Chicago’s roster consists of several players who possess the ability to bring the United Center to their feet.

Whether it’s a tip-in dunk, an alley-oop or a skillful post move, the Bulls know how to get it done.

Here are the team’s top 10 highlights of the young 2012-13 campaign.

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Rajon Rondo Must Become Boston Celtics’ Leading Scorer for Team to Contend

 Boston  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

Rajon Rondo is the leader of the Boston Celtics. Like it or not, the fiery point guard is not only the floor general, but also the glue that holds the team together. That being said, Rondo must become the Celtics’ leading scorer for the team to contend.

Yes, the man who only averaged 11.9 points last season needs to be the top scorer on a team with the scoring machine known as Paul Pierce.

We all know that Rondo does a fantastic job with running the show. He is one of the best point guards in the NBA, specializing in assists. In fact, he recently ended a 37-game double-digit assists per game streak, tying with John Stockton for second in NBA history. Rondo’s assists steadily increase every season, and he’s already averaging 12.8 this year. 

His scoring, on the other hand, has been shaky over the years. It wouldn’t be a surprise if, “If only Rondo could shoot,” is one of the most popular phrases among NBA fans.

However, Rondo can shoot. His efficiency from the field has improved since last season, but he’s been using it to build his assists, not his points.

Let me explain. According to HoopData.com, Rondo is shooting 37.5 percent from 10-15 feet, and 49 percent from 16-23 feet so far this season. Although 15 games is a small sample size, his numbers have already jumped significantly since last year.

Rondo’s ability to hit a mid-range jumper has changed the way the Celtics’ offense works. When Boston runs a pick-and-roll, teams have almost always gone under the screen, which makes Rondo’s first option a jump shot. However, due to Rondo’s ability to shoot the ball, teams are not sagging off of him like they used to. He already has excellent court vision, but this gives him better looks to find an open teammate. That’s why his assists are so high.

In other words, Rondo can shoot and opposing teams are aware of this.

If the Celtics want to be a top contender, their starting point guard has to start shooting the ball more. He is 84-of-165 from the field and shooting 51 percent this season. That’s higher than his career average of 48 percent from the field. He’s currently attempting 11 shots per game, but that number has to increase. 

Of course, a good portion of Rondo’s scoring comes from layups as well. He makes 64.1 percent of his shots from the rim, like this one:

Rondo has led the Celtics in scoring twice this season, and although both efforts resulted in losses, he needs to build on making it a habit. There is no doubt that Rondo’s crafty assists are getting his older teammates easier shots. However, if he can find an even balance between points and assists, the team will be better all around.

Pierce currently leads the team in scoring with 19.1 points per game, followed by Kevin Garnett with 15.7 points. Rondo sits in third with 13.2 points per game. It’s not an unattainable goal for Rondo to become the C’s leading scorer, especially as the secondary unit continues to improve. Right now, Pierce and Garnett are playing so many minutes because Doc Rivers can’t afford to rest them as much as he would like to. If their minutes eventually drop, so will their points. On the other hand, Rondo’s playing time isn’t decreasing any time soon.

It’s not necessary for the point guard to lead the team in scoring. Deron Williams is second on the Brooklyn Nets with 16.4 points, while Chris Paul is third on the Clippers with 16.1 points. However, the Celtics are different. If Rondo can alleviate some of the pressure off his older costars by scoring more points, he should do so.

Ultimately, the Celtics will only go as far as their star point guard takes them.

 

All stats used in this article are accurate as of Dec. 6, 2012.

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