On Thursday evening the Boston Celtics agreed to trade star PG Rajon Rondo and PF/C Dwight Powell to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for C Brandan Wright, SF Jae Crowder, PG Jameer Nelson, plus a first and second round pick in the 2015 NBA draft, a $12.9 million dollar trade exception was also included in the package for Rondo.
Rajon Rondo had been in trade rumours for the past year, with the Celtics getting closer and closer to getting to the point where they had to part ways with Rondo, with Marcus Smart coming through and showing glimpses of promising play, the pressure was put onto Danny Ainge to trade Rondo and give Marcus Smart the keys to the offense of the Boston Celtics. The Dallas Mavericks had consistent, but not great players at the PG position, with it being obvious that it may have been time to upgrade that position, and with the acquisition of Rondo, Dallas now have the player they’ve been needing since Jason Kidd to direct the offense for the Mavericks.
How it benefits each team:
BOSTON:
Rajon Rondo had been in trade rumours for the past year, with the Celtics getting closer and closer to getting to the point where they had to part ways with Rondo, with Marcus Smart coming through and showing glimpses of promising play, the pressure was put onto Danny Ainge to trade Rondo and give Marcus Smart the keys to the offense of the Boston Celtics. The Dallas Mavericks had consistent, but not great players at the PG position, with it being obvious that it may have been time to upgrade that position, and with the acquisition of Rondo, Dallas now have the player they’ve been needing since Jason Kidd to direct the offense for the Mavericks.
How it benefits each team:
BOSTON:
It was always obvious that Rondo was going to be traded as soon as the Boston Celtics first drafted rookie PG, Marcus Smart. Marcus Smart was seen as the new PG of the future for the Celtics, a title that had been associated with Rondo for so many years. It became more and more obvious that Rondo was going to be traded sooner rather than later, with minutes starting to shift towards Smart’s way as Brad Stevens began to prefer Smart in late game situations. Marcus Smart is more gifted offensively than Rondo, but both are known as weaker offensive players, Smart can hit the mid-range jump shot and the three pointer a lot more consistently than Rondo. Defensively speaking, both are tenacious on defense and at this moment you would say that Rondo is the stronger defender, simply because of his experience and his uncanny wingspan. Marcus Smart is just as strong on defense, but with his lack of experience, he is a bit slower with his awareness. Trading Rondo lets Smart grow as a player and gives the Celtics some relief as they got their value for Rondo, rather than losing him for free during free agency.
Brandan Wright who was a part of the Rondo deal gives the Celtics an experienced and more than capable Center to either be put into the starting line-up who come off the bench to provide impacts when called upon. At 6’10, Wright can play both frontcourt positions, which is extremely handy for the Celtics if their short on a position. It seems as if Brandon Bass will be traded in the near future, so perhaps Wright has come in as his replacement. If not, Wright provides a great inside presence with his elite finishing around the rim, plus his huge wingspan helps on defense. Wright gives the Celtics what they needed.
Jae Crowder is a nice young forward who can provide toughness and hustle off the bench. Crowder is known for his tenacious play on defense and we know that he loves to beat players to the ball. With a nice consistent three point shot he gives the Celtics a nice asset to use in certain game situations. Crowder can be used as a ‘three and D’ type of player, just like San Antonio’s Danny Green.
Jameer Nelson, a veteran of 10 years is currently averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 23 games. Nelson provides a veteran presence to help guide young PG’s Marcus Smart and Phil Pressey. Nelson can provide backup minutes for Smart, or he can be slotted into the starting line-up if the Celtics do not believe that Smart is ready to be the starter. Nelson has a nice touch from three point, hitting 37.4% of his shots over his career. A solid ball handler and a player that can hold his own against other guards which makes him a nice complementary player for the Celtics. Veteran experience is what the Celtics desperately need at the moment, and this is what Jameer Nelson brings to the team.
DALLAS:
Brandan Wright who was a part of the Rondo deal gives the Celtics an experienced and more than capable Center to either be put into the starting line-up who come off the bench to provide impacts when called upon. At 6’10, Wright can play both frontcourt positions, which is extremely handy for the Celtics if their short on a position. It seems as if Brandon Bass will be traded in the near future, so perhaps Wright has come in as his replacement. If not, Wright provides a great inside presence with his elite finishing around the rim, plus his huge wingspan helps on defense. Wright gives the Celtics what they needed.
Jae Crowder is a nice young forward who can provide toughness and hustle off the bench. Crowder is known for his tenacious play on defense and we know that he loves to beat players to the ball. With a nice consistent three point shot he gives the Celtics a nice asset to use in certain game situations. Crowder can be used as a ‘three and D’ type of player, just like San Antonio’s Danny Green.
Jameer Nelson, a veteran of 10 years is currently averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 23 games. Nelson provides a veteran presence to help guide young PG’s Marcus Smart and Phil Pressey. Nelson can provide backup minutes for Smart, or he can be slotted into the starting line-up if the Celtics do not believe that Smart is ready to be the starter. Nelson has a nice touch from three point, hitting 37.4% of his shots over his career. A solid ball handler and a player that can hold his own against other guards which makes him a nice complementary player for the Celtics. Veteran experience is what the Celtics desperately need at the moment, and this is what Jameer Nelson brings to the team.
DALLAS:
After a productive offseason where Dallas secured starters Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons, the Mavericks looked as if they were ready to start a championship campaign. They had one weakness within the rotation though, and this was at Point Guard. With players such as Felton and Devin Harris, the Mavericks were relying on aging and slowing guards who were on the decline in their careers. The Mavericks needed to make a move to catapult them into higher contention for the Championship, and this was by trading for star PG Rajon Rondo. Although the Mavericks may have given up a lot for such a player (and Dwight Powell), it seems as if it was a worthy move as now the starting line-up for the Mavericks is possibly one of the best in the NBA.
Rajon Rondo provides the Mavericks with the perfect experience, with his outstanding playmaking ability, court vision and elite speed. Rondo plays with great confidence and with his 6’9 wingspan, Rondo is a pickpocket on defense. Rondo is also a great rebounder for his size. Rondo is a huge upgrade to previous PG Jameer Nelson where he has higher averages in each category. So far this season Rondo is averaging 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Such a unique statistical line for a Point Guard. On the defensive end, Rondo will help the Mavericks defend comfortably on the pick and roll, with the tandem of Chandler and Rondo, both will be extremely defensive on the pick and roll and should create a nice partnership.
Dwight Powell was the 45th pick in the 2014 draft, the 23 year old has so far only played in five games where he’s had nine minutes of play time. Powell was key in the Rondo trade as the Mavericks weren’t going to make the trade unless Powell was included. Powell has a solid jump shot and can occasionally hit from beyond the arc. A the raw PF/C will be interesting to see this season, whether or not he can get some minutes, perhaps competing with Greg Smith for minutes, it is to be known whether he can develop into a nice young player who’s worthy of coming off the bench. The frontcourt depth of the Mavericks is now their weakest part of the team, but they sure make up for it in other positions.
DAINA COULTER
Rajon Rondo provides the Mavericks with the perfect experience, with his outstanding playmaking ability, court vision and elite speed. Rondo plays with great confidence and with his 6’9 wingspan, Rondo is a pickpocket on defense. Rondo is also a great rebounder for his size. Rondo is a huge upgrade to previous PG Jameer Nelson where he has higher averages in each category. So far this season Rondo is averaging 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Such a unique statistical line for a Point Guard. On the defensive end, Rondo will help the Mavericks defend comfortably on the pick and roll, with the tandem of Chandler and Rondo, both will be extremely defensive on the pick and roll and should create a nice partnership.
Dwight Powell was the 45th pick in the 2014 draft, the 23 year old has so far only played in five games where he’s had nine minutes of play time. Powell was key in the Rondo trade as the Mavericks weren’t going to make the trade unless Powell was included. Powell has a solid jump shot and can occasionally hit from beyond the arc. A the raw PF/C will be interesting to see this season, whether or not he can get some minutes, perhaps competing with Greg Smith for minutes, it is to be known whether he can develop into a nice young player who’s worthy of coming off the bench. The frontcourt depth of the Mavericks is now their weakest part of the team, but they sure make up for it in other positions.
DAINA COULTER