Scouting Report: Rajon Rondo

Player Name: Rajon Rondo
Current Team: Boston Celtics
NBA Position: PG
Drafted: 21st (Phoenix Suns)
Height/Weight: 6'1"/171
Birthdate: 2/22/86
Hometown: Louisville, KY
College: Kentucky
Agent:

Notes:
Went to Louisville's Eastern High School for three years and then transferred to Virginia's Oak Hill Academy for his senior year; Played in the 2004 McDonald's All-American Team Originally committed to Louisivlle, but then changed to Kentucky; Played for the 2005 USA Men's Under-21 World Championship Team; Traded on draft night from the Suns to the Celtics along with Brian Grant for the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round draft pick in the 2007 draft and cash considerations

Strengths:
Explosive first step; Tough defender on small guards; Knack for stealing passes; Pressuring ball-handler; Getting into the paint; Quick leaper; Great deal of energy; Improving in catch-and-shoot situations; Big hands; Great rebounder for his size; Large wingspan.

Weaknesses:
Shooting is clearly his biggest fault - both from the perimeter and free throw line; Opposing teams do not challenge Rondo in screen-and-rolls; No interest in finishing in the paint with his left hand; Bigger point guards can take advantage of him on the low block.

Outlook:
Rajon Rondo is an emerging point guard in the mold of a Tony Parker-type. Rondo is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, even though he is on the small side. He provides terrific ball pressure and plays with a great deal of energy. The offensive side of the ball is where Rondo still needs to make some strides. He is not a big enough threat when he does not have the ball in his hands, and teams can afford to give him space when he does have the ball because he is not a strong enough shooter. Also, he often forces himself into more difficult shots than necessary because he does not want to finish at the basket with his left hand. If Rondo can shoot a higher percentage from the field, then it will allow him to use his quickness much better. He certainly has the talent to be one of the best, young point guards in the league, right after Deron Williams and Chris Paul.

Video: