Help Me, Rondo

What does the Rajon Rondo trade mean for the Celtics, and what’s their next move?

Four-time All Star point guard Rajon Rondo was traded to Dallas on Thursday along with Dwight Powell in exchange for Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, Jameer Nelson, a protected first-round pick, and a second round pick in 2016.

During Rondo’s 8-¼ seasons as a Celtic, he averaged 11.0 points (47.3 FG, 25.2 3Pt, 61.4 FT), a Celtics franchise-high 8.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and another franchise-best 1.9 steals in 32.9 minutes per game. Not only did he help the C’s win their only championship since the 1980s, he leaves the Celtics with the fourth most assists (behind Cousy, Havlicek and Bird) and third most steals (behind Pierce and Bird) in franchise history. He also boasts by far the highest assist percentage in franchise history, assisting an astounding 41.5 percent of teammates’ field goals while he was on the floor. Whether or not Rondo makes the Mavericks true title-contenders, improves the top-rated offense in the league or their lowly defense are all items up for debate; but the general consensus is that the Mavs, who are seventh in the West without Oklahoma City even being in the playoff picture yet, were not winning a championship as currently constructed.

And so, Mark Cuban took a shot on Rondo, hoping that his playing with All-Star caliber players will help enable him to make his return to being the All-Star point guard we became used to seeing alongside Boston’s “big three,” and before he tore his ACL almost two years ago.

The Celtics are 9-14, and while we can all pretend that this deal was done right away in the Celtics’ interest of getting something for Rondo while they still could, the move certainly seems more geared towards purposefully nipping any chances this subpar squad had of making the playoffs and surrendering this year’s first-round pick to the Sixers. And, believe me, they had a legitimate shot at making the playoffs prior to dealing Rondo. Brooklyn, the current eighth seed in the East, is only 10-14. The Celtics have also blown five games in which they held 15-point leads this season, so it’s not like they’re lucky to be 9-14 right now. Making the playoffs and suffering an early round defeat is not part of the Celtics’ plan for the future, nor is building a championship level team during the remaining window of Rondo’s prime. Building slowly through the draft and developing Marcus Smart is the plan, and supposing he can stay healthy, the keys to the team will be handed over to Smart.

Boston was wise to bring in a veteran point guard in Jameer Nelson (even if he’s re-dealt to a contender by the trade deadline), who can help teach Smart the position. Alongside Avery Bradley and the newly acquired “New England Clam” Crowder, Smart will spearhead one of the youngest, most defensively hungry perimeter defensive trios in the league. Wright is on the last year of his deal and may not be with the team beyond this season, but his efficiency has been off the charts thus far during 2014 and gives them another able-bodied big man off the bench.

What’s next for Boston? The 28-year-old Jeff Green and 29-year-old Brandon Bass are both likely to be moved before the deadline, and the Celtics will probably contend for one of the worst records in the league with management hoping to improve their odds at landing a higher draft position. After several seasons of Rondo rumors, the Celtics finally followed through with their plan to bottom out and build through the draft.

Last season they brought Rondo along slowly after he returned to action, and sat him on back-to-backs, but it’s undeniable that his presence helped the Celtics win games that effectively hurt their lottery odds—exactly what they’re disallowing to happen this season by trading him so early. Ainge will be among those hoping that Rondo’s inability to shoot the ball somehow spells doom for the Mavericks and they miss the playoffs in the ultra-competitive West, though that would require another team besides the Thunder passing them—which might be unlikely unless they do indeed self-destruct. A Mavericks meltdown would mean the Celtics would receive this year’s pick if it fell between no.4 and 14. However, the more likely scenario is that the Celtics will receive the Mavericks 2016 first-round pick, as unspeakable things would have to happen in order for Dallas to earn a pick in the top seven next season.

Assuming that’s the way the cookie crumbles, the Celtics will own two first round selections in 2015 (their own and the Clippers). In 2016, assuming the Cavaliers don’t suffer similarly unspeakable tragedies and earn a top-10 pick, the Celtics will own four first-round picks (receiving the Nets’, Cavs’, and Mavs’). And that’s not all, folks. In 2017, Boston has the right to swap selections with Brooklyn, and in 2018 they own the Nets’ first-round pick outright. Rondo’s writing had been on the wall for sometime in Boston, and on Thursday it was officially read. This trade marks a new chapter for the Celtics and Rondo, who enjoyed eight great years together. For Celtics fans it likely hurts to watch Rondo leave, though this deal was in ways long overdue. Once the trade became official, Rondo tweeted:

“My time in Boston has meant so much. I’ve grown up with this city both as a basketball player and person. The love I have for the most loyal and supportive fans in the league is unmatched. My teammates have shown nothing but heart the last couple of seasons. They are some of the hardest working guys I have played with and I wish them the best. I’ve experienced my most successful and challenging years with the Celtics, fans and city. The opportunity to play with guys like Dirk, Monta, Tyson and the young talent of Chandler is exciting. I look forward to building something special in Dallas.”