Should The Kings Target Rajon Rondo? [POLL]
I don't want to get any hopes up, but with the offseason beginning July, 1, Sacramento will be looking at free agents to acquire - they may take a hard look at Rajon Rondo.
The former Boston Celtics point guard had a rough season last year after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 8.9 points, 7.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds, but as an unrestricted free agent this summer, he can rebuild his reputation as a triple-threat player.
The Sacramento Kings, if you didn't know, took a large step back last year at the point guard position. Darren Collison was decent at times, but averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds was far behind Isaiah Thomas, who was signed by Phoenix last summer. In his final year with the Kings, Thomas averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds.
The Kings have a foundation of Demarcus Cousins at center, Rudy Gay at small forward and Ben McLemore at shooting guard. Other than that, this team needs a star and a distributer. Rondo is both of those.
Will his ego get in the way? Possibly, but maybe he can build chemistry with his teammates in Sacramento.
To put Rondo in perspective, the other top point guards the Kings will have the chance to sign are Jeremy Lin, Maurice Williams and Aaron Brooks - hardly the cream of the crop.
Rondo, 29, has career averages of 10.8 points, 8.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game and made the All-Star team four straight times from 2010-2013. Oh, he also won a ring with the Boston Celtics and the "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Playoff experience is what the Kings also lack.
Rondo is a proven defender, distributer and rebounding guard who will command $12 million per year or beyond for a multi-year deal. He is entering his prime age and will want to lock down with a franchise. The Kings should be that franchise.
If the Kings want to hold on to Cousins and Gay, signing Rondo may be their best shot at looking towards the playoffs with a "Big Three" of their own.