How Close is Rondo to Being an All-Star?

How Close is Rondo to Being an All-Star?
October 7, 2009 by admin

Rajon Rondo has come a long way since being drafted 21st overall by the Suns in 2006. He’s developed into the key element that makes the Celtics run correctly, and was a huge part of why the C’s won in 2008.

With the Celtics stars continuing to age, he has to take his game to another level. Early reports from training camp say that he’s stronger, worked on his weak jump shot and has looked great overall. Last year, his best season yet, Rondo was not too far from being in the conversation as an All-Star, but how much further does he have to push to be considered an All-Star?

It’s possible that he could be an All-Star this season. If his jump shot is dramatically improved (I’ve seen the new shot once, it looks much better but that’s all I’ll say having only seen it once), then his scoring should increase and even though he’s not the caliber of a scorer that Devin Harris and Jameer Nelson are, I’d like a team guy to get that kind of recognition. I mean, when you have a guy that was selected after Renaldo Balkman in the draft captaining a ship that includes Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, he’s got to get some kind of accolade. If he’s not an All-Star soon, I’d like to see him recognized as the NBA most improved player maybe, but only if that jump shot is noticeably improved.

The other element holding Rondo back from being an All-Star is the competition. Harris is a lock, most likely, Mo Williams will probably also make the cut and I wouldn’t call Nelson a lock yet, but if he’s at full strength again, it’s not unlikely. The only guard from last year that has switched conferences is Allen Iverson, who was somehow a starter last season. Ray Allen, Rondo’s teammate, might also have just a 50-50 chance at getting in. So there’s a slight window for Rondo.

At some point in the next two seasons I’d like to see Rondo be an All-Star. The guy is an amazing talent, has paid his dues and is a total team player who wants to win. Just because he’s not an elite scorer shouldn’t mean that he never gets play in the big game, NBA?

Vote in stars that are great teammates, not just scoreboard stuffers.

Alex Curtis-Slep covers the NBA for North Station Sports. You can check out more of his great work at NBAtipoff.