Pretty dumb article. Cs just needed everyone to be healthy at the same time and to gain some experience playing together. Imagine Rondo, Bradley and Barbosa all taking turns handling the ball. The pace of play would kill most teams they palyed against. It's coming together. Thank God. But, with Rondo healthy this team would be totally over the top.

2001 Brady and Bledsoe. De ja vue.

Couldn't agree more with Bob Ryan. Rondo perfected the art of the selfish assist and was the primary reason why Green, Terry and Lee weren't properly acclimated into the offense. A great point guard makes the team around him better, including recognizing and playing to the strengths of his teammates. Rondo forced those three players to adjust to him and not the other way around. It was clear early on that Terry was not a come off the pick 3-point shooter like Ray Allen but Rondo, who controlled the play calling on the floor, insisted that Terry continue to come off back screens, like Ray, before he could get the ball. Rondo's insistence on running the "dribble offense", where he pounds the ball into the hardwood for 14 seconds before getting into a play, was infuriating to watch and hamstrung Green's ability to get the ball in space where he is most explosive. Now, with Rondo out, the long lead is back in the Celtics' repertoire because they are not being run by a point guard who is reluctant to pass the ball if it means he isn't going to receive credit for an assist. Unfortunately Bob, after reading last week's SI's article on Rondo, I not very optimistic that he will adjust his game when confronted with the evidence that the Celtics are better off in the up tempo style they've been running since he is out. Rondo is a diva.  And it is his way or the highway. So eventually I think Danny Ainge will send him down that highway.

Not a dumb article at all. My eyes were really opened during game 6 last year, at home against Miami. While Paul Pierce struggled mightily from the field (4-19), Rondo continued to feed him while blatantly ignoring Ray Allen each and every time he gained what little seperation he could from the Heat; and we all know Ray needs very little seperation to launch a three. Celts were 1-13 from behind the arc, while Allen hit 1 of 3. The C's had ample opportunity to come back in that game, but Pierce wasn't feeling it and each and every miss by him seemed to be a momentum breaker. A true point guard would have gone to Allen when he was clearly open and not ignore him.  It was then I knew Ray Allen wasn't coming back thanks to a supremely talented young point guard who also happens to be extremely petulant and selfish.

You're on the money Bob. There a far better team without Rondo. Both Pierce and Garnett are playing a team game. It's really enjoyable to watch. No one player is trying to dominate the game. Players like Bradley and Green and Terry are playing great. Get something in a trade for Rondo. He's a hothead anyways. Good riddence.

Bob,

How long have you been away from the game? Put the ball in the Captains's hands - say what? Pierce is a great shooter and a terrific player but is a turnover waiting to happen every time he touches it and can't get to the hoop or get off his J.

I also have to take issue with someone making an assist being selfish. If getting everyone involved is selfish I'll take it every time. This year Rondo looked for his shot more than in the past, a reflection of his confidence in it and his understanding that this is what the team needed on certain nights.

I agree Rondo needs to pick up his on-ball defense but given his rebounding on a team that desperately needs rebounding,and his steals and blocks I'll take his defense and work on the shortcomings.

The Celtics have improved because their defense has improved thanks to in large part Avery, but also because the team has finally begun to understand the how to play in Doc's system and is able to consistenly execute. Offensively, the up temp game and ball and people movement has created easier baskets. It is only when the C's revert to the half court game that they become easy to defend. Rondo can easily adapt to this system, and I contend will thrive in it because of his speed and extraordinary court vision and passing ability.

Rondo is a head case and should be traded if at all possible.  The commenter who said the Celtics would be over the top if Rondo were healthy wasn't watching the same games I was.  Rondo's teammates don't like him.  I would like to see the C's go in another direction.

Next season KG & PP will be another year older. The Celtics need impact player(s). I don't think the C's can rely solely on the Drafr or Free Agency. Rondo would bring value able players to this roster. Who else could bring good solid players to Boston other than Rondo? The recent play and won-lost record of the Celtics doesn't lie. The Celtics can survive and play very good ball minus Rondo. 

Yes, Bob Ryan! If Rondo really has a high basketball IQ, he's taking notes and realizing he can facilitate good offense without all the dribbling and with the pass before the assist. If he's a head case, when he comes back it will be all about him.

But we need to remember that the slow-down offense was not all his fault. His absence forced his teammates to play up-tempo and move the ball more. They will have to continue that when he returns as well. And Rondo can play good perimeter D when he wants. Together with Bradley, they can be a defensive force like no other, with lots of transition baskets.

We won't know until next year--if the team remains intact.

I, personally, don't think Rondo will change his game and in my opinion should be traded for a big man impact player.  I think Rondo is a very talented player but as someone above noted a point guard should make the players around him better and Rondo doesn't.  Some of us thought these Celtics might be better without Rondo and were called stupid by the "experts".  Now they are slowly but surely coming over.  Jackie MacMullan is next.  Go Celts!

Thanks Bob for being the guy who steps out of line to tell the truth.  I agree with everything.  The only thing I would add is the fact that Rondo has all those triple doubles in nationally televised games.  I don't want that guy on my team because he's not motivated by winning.

An explanation from MIT. "Basketball and the Theory of Networks": Losing the best player on the team can sometimes improve its performance. Network theory explains why.

- no, it's not that complicated. http://www.technologyreview.com/view/414784/basketball-and-the-theory-of-networks/

I've been thinking about this for a while and I believe that this 'blame it all on Rondo crap' is crap.  We have a coach who is pretty well respected by a lot of other people than just me.  If he did not like what Rondo was doing he would have intervened.  I believe that our current string of wins is largely due to 1. a dramatic change to the way we play so the early season scouting and planning was totally wrong and 2. the loss gave a bunch of new guys the chance to shine (and they are shining).

Bob R., I think that you are a great sports writer but you are totally wrong in this matter but if it motivates Rondo maybe it's OK.

Spot on Bob ... I remember first questioning the play of Rondo in the plaoffs against LA a few years when back, when I saw him TWICE pass up uncontested layups back to back , to kick it outside for a mid range J ... I could not believe what I was watching and did not for the life of me realize the obsession he had with Assists had reached a point where he was intentionally passing up his own scoring to pad his assists. Since that time, I watched him closely , and although he does have some impressive talents in certain areas , i.e. his knack for seeing the whole floor, his incredible athleticism etc ... I am not a huge rondo fan and do not consider him an elite guard by any means .. his game is selfish .. and as strange as it is to understand ... padding assists can be selfish . Also .. I am in total agreement that Bradley is the real deal .. a keeper !!

Doc and Danny will figure it out. I am sure this success without Rondo, will be instructive,  the bottom line will be the decisions of management. 

Rondo is athletically talented with his quickness and top 10 of the night passes..but as the article states his positives at times shadow his negatives....no outside shot; less than average free throw shooter and average defender.  Ray Allen took less $$$ to get more involved in a team game with the Heat...with trades in the NBA requiring equal dollars on each side, it is evident that Danny Ainge shopped Rondo with no takers...if you are starting over; Avery Bradley is a "throw back"...quickness; a good shot and and one of the top defenders on big time opposition's players.  Jeff Green and him are athletic..build around them...I have to say I enjoyed watching Rondo but I enjoy watching the chemistry and team play now of the Celtics.

I think everyone fan realizes that in recent years, the Celtics frequently waste more than half of their 24 seconds in a half court office by putting the ball in into play too late. Now we are witnessing what happens if they stop.

After the President dissed Rondo by suggesting that his least favorite team mate, Ray Allen, teach him to shoot. He took it to heart and worked on shot. His jumpshot was much improved last season. I'll give him credit for that. I'm not sure whether Rondo is being selfish or just doesn't see there is a better way. Hopefully, he'll work on his approach and realize that even we can see obvious ways for him to run the office better.

It is more exciting to watch them playing small ball! Way to go Doc. Nice article, Bob.

Great article Bob. Would never want to talk someone out of retirement but I miss your clear thinking. I think the Celtics are a different team without Rajon Rondo that has improved. It was going to take at least half a year for Jason Terry, Courtney Lee, Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger to find their games in a green uniform. Prior to that, there was an offensive vacuum that Rajon Rondo filled. The team is better now because A: these four guys have found there place on this team. and B: Avery Bradley is back, healthy and better. Avery is an absolute joy to watch. Doc must just love coaching this kid. Agree with you that he is indespensible. To your point, the question will be: Is Rajon Rondo willing to adjust his game to compliment his teammates? There is only one way to find out and I look forward to next season because Rajon Rondo is a supremely talented player that will only have good trade value if he can show other teams he is willing to adjust his game to compliment his teammates. Would love to know what Bob Cousy thinks.