Does Mario Chalmers have what it takes to become the next Rajon Rondo? NBA Feature (Part 1)
Many believe that a person is a product of his own surroundings, as he gathers things from his environment. Sportsmen value this principle a lot and they strongly believe that if there are strong or influential player in a locker
room, it definitely effects the environment of a team, in a positive way.
There are several examples which prove that such type of healthy environment within a team always help average players to develop into high-quality play makers.
However, the question here is whether the environment and hard work are more than enough for a player to convert into something extraordinary or do they require anything more than that.
The best example in this regard is of Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, who got benefitted from his surrounding that was created by the three-bigs namely Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Rondo used to be a mediocre
player and was picked up as 21 overall in the first round of the 2006 National Basketball Association Draft by the Phoenix Suns and was consequently traded to the Celtics.
Rondo made his debut with the Celtics as a role player in 2006-07. Later, he was promoted as a starting point guard and did a decent job in his department. The C’s won the NBA Championship that same season and Rondo came in the
spotlight. However, his career took off with his the 2009 NBA playoffs performance, where Rondo displayed his true potential and guided the C’s to a Eastern Conference Finals win in a nail biting encounter against the Orlando magic during a full seven game
series. During that period, Rondo nearly scored triple-double in each game he played.
Rondo scored at an average of 11.9 points per game in that season on a 0.505 percent shooting from the field and 0.642 percent from the free throw line. Garnett, Allen and Pierce’s influence started showing its effects, as Rondo’s
figures started climbing up with every game.
In the 2009-10 season, Rondo tallied scores at an average of 13.7 points per game. His minutes also increased from 33:00 to 36:6 during the 81 games he played that season. By the time, the regular season ended, Rondo was also chosen
for the All-Defensive Second Team in 2009.
Under the influence of Garnett, Allen and Pierce, Rondo has now developed into a lethal offensive weapon, who has the ability to penetrate into the defences on regular basis, either with his smooth passing or gritty penetrations.
Rondo did not just work wonders with the ball by making some big plays, but he is one Boston’s high-quality defenders.
According to coach Doc Rivers, “He’s the smartest player that I’ve ever coached. His basketball IQ is off the charts.”
Not just he had developed his offense in this tenure, but also enhanced his defensive game as well. For this very reason, Rondo is considered as one of the best in the business, when it comes to on ball defence. His lean physique
allows him to stay swift and his precision in shooting makes his double dangerous.
Enter Mario Chalmers, who has a similar environment and opportunity.
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