I get the impression that Phil is totally fine with the Knicks being terrible this year because they'll get a great draft pick that they can either use or trade for a good player. Both Phil and Fisher have made it very clear that they're not totally concerned with being good this season. And honestly, it's just not realistic to expect this team to be good at any point this year. They've got a new, novice coach who is implementing a notoriously-complex offensive system, 9 of their 15 players are impending free agents (or can be free agents due to team options), they are almost entirely devoid of any plus defensive players, and they experienced a ton of roster turnover.
For all of Rondo's benefits you just named, you conspicuously neglected to point out that he's a horrific shooter. Calderon was brought in not only because he's heady (and able to pick up on the triangle's intricacies), but because he's a great shooter, which is important for the triangle. Rondo might improve things on the defensive end, but I remain unconvinced that he could help the Knicks be anything other than bad right now. Living in NY, I watch the Knicks regularly -- the team is simply a lost cause this season.