Knicks Rumors: Pros and Cons of potentially signing Rajon Rondo

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in signing free agent point guard Rajon Rondo. What would the pros and cons of said decision be?

The New York Knicks have made it no secret that the primary intention in free agency is to embrace the youth movement. While doing so, however, it’s simultaneously searching for the ideal veterans to protect the younger players from the trials and tribulations of early exposure.

As the Knicks look for ways to shelter Frank Ntilikina during his rookie season, an intriguing veteran has surfaced as an option in free agency: Rajon Rondo.

It was less than two weeks ago that New York drafted Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Despite the selection of a point guard, however, the Knicks remain in active pursuit of a veteran who can start in 2017-18.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Rondo is one of the many players whom general manager Steve Mills has contacted about the vacancy at point guard.

Rondo is easily the most decorated of the point guards whom New York have either expressed interest in or reached out to.

Other rumored targets include Darren Collison, George Hill, and Shelvin Mack. Rondo may or may not be the best option available, but he’s an NBA champion and four-time All-Star, which has inevitably earned him a reputation.

The question is: Would the pros outweigh the cons if the New York Knick were to take a chance on Rajon Rondo?

Pro: Facilitating Ability

Whether you love, hate, or feel indifferent about Rajon Rondo, no rational human being can dismiss his prowess as a facilitator. He’s one of the most gifted distributors in NBA history, and that strength hasn’t declined.

It’s fair to question whether or not having a ball-dominant point guard would be wise, but Rondo would be of great aid to the young players as a creator.

Rondo has led the NBA in assists per game in three different seasons, including 2015-16. He’s averaged at least 11.0 assists per game in four different campaigns, and boasts a career average of 9.5 assists to 3.2 turnovers per 36 minutes.

With a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.93, Rondo’s ability to create isn’t compromised by a tendency to become reckless with the ball.

For New York, adding Rondo would mean creating easier looks at the basket for the younger players. The same could be said about his impact on whichever veterans remain, namely the ISO-centric Carmelo Anthony, who’s ironically at his best in catch and shoot situations.

Rondo carries his fair share of flaws, but one could confidently make the case that he’s the best facilitator in the NBA—and that has value.

Con: Off-Ball Offense

The primary knock against Rajon Rondo since he entered the NBA has been his inability to provide quality contributions in an off-ball role. He’s a career 30.4 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and has converted just 0.3 3-point field goals per game.

Rondo has admittedly improved in that regard, but Jeff Hornacek’s offense would require Rondo to be a genuine threat without the ball.

It’s certainly possible that Hornacek’s offense could play to Rondo’s strengths. Whether it keeps the ball in his hands or allows him to work the baseline for finishes at the rim, there are ways to circumvent his flaws.

It’s also worth noting that Rondo averaged 0.6 catch and shoot 3-point field goals made on 41.0 percent shooting during the 2016-17 season.

Until Rondo provides a bigger sample size of efficient shooting, however, it will be fair to question his proficiency. As the Knicks prepare to run a motion offense, that level of consistency will be a primary point of emphasis with Rondo.

2016-17 may have been a sign of things to come, but it could have just as easily been an aberration that tricks New York into overpaying.

Pro: Helping Kristaps Porzingis

As previously alluded to, Rajon Rondo is one of the greatest facilitators in NBA history. He’s not only accumulated high assist totals, but he’s done so on championship-caliber teams that have made deep postseason runs.

While that may or may not be helpful to everyone on the roster, there’s no question that one specific player would benefit from Rondo’s presence: Kristaps Porzingis.

It’s no secret that Porzingis was selected at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft to become the Knicks’ franchise player. What’s been delayed, however, has been his development into New York’s No. 1 scoring option.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, the Knicks plan to expose Porzingis to that role and responsibility in 2017-18.

"“That’s his next steps in his growths as a player, to be able to handle some of that,” Hornacek said Saturday. “He’s going to have to take that next step of taking over. I think he’s probably ready for that.”"

If the Knicks act upon that vision, then Porzingis is going to need a point guard who can alleviate some pressure.

Porzingis is as skilled as any big man ever has been, but he’s also been somewhat sheltered offensively. He was third on the Knicks in field goal attempts per game in 2016-17, and may now be tasked with making the jump to No. 1.

No free agent point guard would alleviate more pressure from Porzingis than the best facilitator on the open market: Rondo.

Con: Selling A Short-Term Role

If the New York Knicks were to sign Rajon Rondo, the decision would be made with the hope that he could fill a short-term role. Frank Ntilikina will become the starter at some point in the near future, and that gives Rondo a shelf life in New York.

It’s possible that Rondo could embrace the role of a long-term sixth man, but it’s more likely that he’ll look for job security elsewhere.

Rondo took a short-term deal with the Chicago Bulls and was essentially sabotaged by the roster construction. He, Dwyane Wade, and Jimmy Butler were all essentially non-shooters who are all at their best with the ball in their hands.

The names may have been big, but the fact that the trio struggled to find its rhythm during the 2016-17 season was none too surprising.

This offseason, Rondo will likely be looking for a situation that he believes fits his game. New York could be that location, but he’s coming off of a stellar showing in the 2017 NBA Playoffs that helped restore some of his market value.

If another team is willing to give Rondo a multi-year deal without the lingering thought of a replacement already being on the roster, he’ll likely take it.

Pro: Postseason Experience

Say what you will about the regular season version of Rajon Rondo, but there are few point guards who are better in the playoffs. He’s an NBA champion with three Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a slew of unforgettable performances on his resume.

Rondo may not be the player who carries a team to the postseason, but if the New York Knicks get there, he’ll likely step up.

Rondo has appeared in and started 96 postseason games during his decorated career. During that time, he’s averaged 14.4 points, 9.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals on 44.5 percent shooting from the field.

In 2017, Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals as the Chicago Bulls took a commanding 2-0 lead over the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics.

Chicago would go on to squander that lead after Rondo got hurt.

Whether or not Rondo has another 44-point and 10-assist game in his system, he’s proven time and time again that he lives for the big moments. Those are the type of players who elevate organizations come the playoffs, even if there are inconsistencies in the regular season.

Considering the Eastern Conference has been obliterated by trades, the Knicks have as realistic a shot at making the playoffs as ever before.

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