How is Rondo going to magically make Ibaka better? His main source of offense is from midrange jumpers off feeds from Westbrook, Jackson, or Durant and feeds right at the basket for a lay-up or dunk. Is Rondo's presence suddenly going to add layers to his game, making him much stronger off the dribble and allow him to develop an actual post game?
Yeah, I'm just not buying it.
No. I agree Rondo won't add layers to his game. Ideally you would want someone with a more varied game so roster construction is an argument I buy for the way the team plays. I do however think that Rondo would get Ibaka MORE of the easier looks he's used to converting which would mean that Ibaka's man would have to occasionally ya know, worry about Ibaka too. And to be clear, I am saying that there are occasions when an open Ibaka 10footer is a better look than Westbrook taking a 1-dribble crossover pull-up from 3 with a hand in his face just because he made a jumper the last time down.
This comment just came from Courtney Lee after the last game:
"Russell Westbrook went 11-for-28 in a 105-111 Oklahoma City loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2.
The Grizzlies apparently prefer a high usage rate from Westbrook because it limits the number of opportunities Kevin Durant receives.
"We're fine with Westbrook taking shots, I mean, that's kinda what you want - the more shots he takes, the less Durant takes," said Courtney Lee."
Seriously?! 28 shots from your primary ballhandler?! That's just grody. And a number of which came with him dribbling down the floor and putting up a quick shot without even surveying the defense. Nothing makes team smile more than only having to play defense for literally 3 seconds.