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Now that the NBA Draft is over, the next crazy period of the NBA off-season begins on Thursday, Australian time, with franchises able to chase – and hopefully sign – players who have entered free agency.
Though the list of free agents includes a number of high profiles names, including LeBron James, Kevin Love and Marc Gasol, most of these top tier players are expected to stay with their current teams.
Some other stars, like LaMarcus Aldridge, have opted out of their contract, and an aggressive bidding war will begin for their services. Here’s hoping the Lakers win that one…
However, one of the more intriguing names on the free agency list is point guard Rajon Rondo.
One would expect that the demand for a floor general with an NBA championship to his name, along with being a four-time All Star, four-time All Defensive Team selection, and two-time league leader in assists, would be quite high, especially when said player is still just 29 years of age.
However, the market for Rondo has dried right up, due to a number of factors.
Firstly, his season ended with the Dallas Mavericks kicking him off their playoff roster due to his erratic attitude, insubordination and apparent lack of effort when on the court. It ended a tumultuous time in Dallas that saw him suspended during the regular season for arguing with coach Rick Carlisle, and never really fitting in with the Mavs.
Throw in the fact that he hasn’t quite been the same player since an ACL injury he suffered in 2013, along with a league-wide trend towards greater reliance on outside shooting – never a Rondo strongpoint – and suddenly a one-time star isn’t considered all that valuable.
In fact, a quick look at every team in the league highlights that Rondo’s career may be in serious jeopardy, unless he wants to take a greatly reduced role.
Atlanta
With Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder ensconced at point guard, the Hawks have little need or interest in Rondo’s services.
Boston
Rondo will always be loved and respected in Boston, but is a homecoming really on the cards for a Celtics team that is rebuilding, and has already traded him away once?
Brooklyn
With Deron Williams still on the roster, and chewing up over $21 million a year, I don’t think Rondo is a free agent target for the Nets. But who the hell knows with this mess of an organisation?
Charlotte
Kemba Walker and Mo Williams handle the point guard duties for the Hornets, and neither is an elite level playmaker, so you could argue Rondo’s abilities could be of use here. However, I’m not sure his ego could handle being a back-up on a non-playoff team.
Chicago
The Bulls definitely require insurance for Derrick Rose, with the fear that he is only ever a microsecond away from another serious injury. Yet Rondo will probably desire a greater role, especially if Rose is healthy and playing big minutes.
Cleveland
Around dominant ball handlers like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving there is zero need for Rondo, especially considering his lack of outside shooting; a must when playing on the perimeter alongside LeBron.
Dallas
Um… let’s just jog along, shall we?
Denver
If the Nuggets trade away Ty Lawson, there might be a need for a player of Rondo’s experience and skills. However, I suspect Denver would prefer to go ‘all in’ with a youth direction, and the moody star’s potential negative influence in the locker-room is not what you need with young, impressionable players.
Detroit
With Reggie Jackson and Brandon Jennings expected to be on the roster for next season, another point guard would be surplus to requirements for the Pistons.
Golden State
To be honest, Rondo could be useful on the Warriors, setting up their abundance of outside shooters, and pushing the tempo from a bench role. However, it’s doubtful he’d accept that job, or that Steve Kerr would want to mess with the league’s best chemistry by signing a known malcontent.
Houston
Rockets GM Daryl Morey has shown interest in Rondo before, along with a penchant for stockpiling talent and assets. James Harden has also expressed his desire for the team to sign another ball handler. As such, Houston may be an option for Rondo, even though he doesn’t quite fit their mantra of hoisting up three pointers.
Indiana
If the Pacers re-sign Rodney Stuckey, then Rondo is little chance of landing here. However, no one really knows what this franchise is going to do with their roster, and point guard is far from a settled position. So there may be some Rondo love from Larry Bird, but I really don’t know.
LA Clippers
As enticing as a reunion with coach Doc Rivers might sound, the presence of one of the best point guards in the NBA, Chris Paul, renders this a virtual no-go zone for both the Clippers and Rondo.
LA Lakers
The purple and gold have long been mooted as a destination for Rondo, but with the drafting of D’Angelo Russell, it’s difficult to now see this eventuating.
Memphis
With Mike Conley running the show, and the Grizzlies needing improved outside shooting, Memphis makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Miami
With Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade expected to re-sign, the bulk of the playmaking duties are already taken care of in South Beach.
Milwaukee
Given the Bucks already have a point guard who can’t shoot in Michael Carter-Williams, Rondo doesn’t make much sense here.
Minnesota
Given the Timberwolves already have a point guard who can’t shoot in Ricky Rubio, Rondo doesn’t make much sense here.
New Orleans
Depending on Jrue Holiday’s health, you could argue that the Pelicans could do with a player of Rondo’s skill set. Yet even then, the team had solid success with Tyreke Evans handling the ball.
New York
Rondo certainly doesn’t fit the normal requirements of a point guard in the Triangle offence, but I have no idea what this franchise is doing, so they probably are looking at Rondo, who would be a bad fit. At least he wouldn’t take shots off Melo, I guess.
Oklahoma City
A pairing of Russell Westbrook and Rondo would not work on so many levels, that I actually want the Thunder to sign him just to see what comedy and drama would occur.
Orlando
The Magic are investing in youth and their backcourt is sorted.
Philadelphia
Another team that is rebuilding via the draft and young players, so Rondo simply doesn’t fit.
Phoenix
Rondo likes to run the fast break, and the Suns like to play up-tempo, so it’s not the worst fit. However, Eric Bledisloe and Brandon Knight man the point guard spot in Phoenix for the time being.
Portland
With Damien Lillard playing big minutes, the Blazers would have little to no need for Rondo.
Sacramento
With Darren Collison the only point guard of note on the roster, this may be a serious option. The Kings represent the one team in the league where Rondo may be an upgrade at the point guard position.
San Antonio
Gregg Popovich runs a pretty tight ship at the Spurs, but irrespective of whether Pop could get the best out of Rondo or not, with Tony Parker and Patty Mills in town, why would the Spurs gamble on Rondo?
Toronto
The Raptors are committed to Kyle Lowry for the next three seasons.
Utah
A youth movement and a glut of ball-handlers ensure the Jazz should have no interest in Rondo.
Washington
Provided John Wall makes a full recovery from his hand injury, the Wizards situation holds little appeal for either party.
So, unless the Rockets, Pacers or Kings want to take a flyer on Rondo, it’s difficult to see him earning a starting position in the league.
Will he accept a diminished role off the bench, or have we seen the last of one of the stranger players in NBA history?