Rondo Not Meeting Expectations Defensively

Things have gotten off to a rocky start so far for the Dallas Mavericks in the Rajon Rondo era. They were able to beat the shorthanded San Antonio Spurs in Rondo’s debut, but promptly lost their next two contests against the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns.

Now, to be fair, losses to the Hawks and Suns aren’t as damning as they once were. Atlanta sits a half-game back of first place in the eastern conference with a 21-7 record, while Phoenix has begun to put things together out west. They check in at 16-14, good for 8th place, and have strung together four straight wins.

But the addition of Rondo was supposed to help shore up one of the Mavericks’ biggest weaknesses; perimeter defense. It’s early still, but Rondo isn’t having the effect on that end that many hoped for.

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The Hawks were without starter Jeff Teague, but backup Dennis Schroder looked like an all-star against his boyhood idol. He got into the lane with consistent ease, beating Rondo off the dribble or losing him on screens when Rondo was unable to recover. He scored a game-high (and career-high) 22 points on 9-15 shooting and dished out six assists.

Rondo had three steals and a block, but as so often is the case, numbers can be misleading. His defense at times was downright Jameer Nelson-ish.

Take Atlanta’s first possession of the game. Rondo helps too much on Paul Millsap along the baseline, even though Tyson Chandler is in good position, leaving Schroder all alone on the perimeter. When Millsap swings the ball back to Schroder Rondo is out of position. His closeout is somehow both too aggressive (Schroder is currently shooting a Rondo-esque 22% from distance) and lazy at the same time, allowing Schroder to blow right by him for an easy lay-in.

The game against Phoenix was more of the same. Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic again torched the Mavericks, combining for 41 points and 15 assists. Bledsoe didn’t shoot particularly well from the field, going 6-19, but had a triple double. Dragic shot 10-17 for 25 points. Rondo spent time on both starting guards as well as reserve Isaiah Thomas, and like Nelson before him, put up little resistance against the three-headed point guard monster of the Suns.

Dec 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle gives instructions to guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Theoretically things should get better for Rondo and the Mavericks defensively after more time has passed and the team has a chance to jell. But again, that’s only a theory. Though the book on Rondo is that he can be one of the best defenders at the point guard position when motivated there are plenty who disagree, and he hasn’t given us much of a reason to be optimistic.

The defensive fundamentals from Rondo haven’t been great, and at times his focus and effort on that end has been lacking. These aren’t issues stemming from new surroundings or different teammates.

In his three games in Dallas the Mavericks are giving up 107 points per game, four more than their season average. The blame, of course, can’t be placed squarely on Rondo’s shoulders. But he was brought in to slow down opposing point guards and so far he simply has not.