The Celtics didn’t exactly pull an upset when they took Marcus Smart at the 6th spot in the 2014 draft. However taking one of the top point guards in the draft does raise some questions for the future of Rajon Rondo in Bean town.
Smart was arguably the best player available when Boston was on the clock and has the potential to be a star in the league. Standing at 6-4 220 pounds, Smart can potentially be a combo guard, however he’s much more suited at the point guard position.
Rondo returned midway through the 2014 season after suffering an ACL in 2013. Despite his low field goal percentage; he did have a solid comeback last season. That however hasn’t stopped his name from coming up in countless trade speculation through the end of last season into the offseason. General Manager, Danny Ainge, continues to bash the rumors and claims to fully support their veteran point guard. The fact that the actions of the front office seem to completely contradict what Ainge says makes it hard to believe him.
It’s safe to say at this point that the Celtics aren’t against moving Rondo at all, regardless of what Ainge tells the media and the fans. So does Boston need to move Rondo right now because they took Smart? Unless they’re looking at a phenomenal trade, then the answer is no; not at this moment.
The Celtics are still in their rebuilding phase and have done a good job with it thus far. The deal they pulled off today speaks to that. There is no need right now to make a huge deal that ships the leader of the team out. Smart is only a rookie, and even with his potential, it would behoove him to take some time as a backup to learn more about the professional game. He would also be a backup to a great point guard in Rondo, whom he can learn a lot from.
Based on the potential trades that are amidst in the rumor mill, none of them would be highly beneficial for the Celtics to let go of Rondo. Not to mention Rondo will have this entire offseason healthy. He can take the next step in his career as a player now that he’s in his prime.
Rondo and Smart could down the line start together, but that’s not likely considering the contract the Celtics just gave shooting guard Avery Bradley. Smart could also see himself as a sixth man in the years to come or a possible trade option for the Celtics if they wanted to keep Rondo.
That being said though, the most plausible scenario for Rondo’s future is for him to be moved around the trade deadline during the season.
That way Boston can not only see if Rondo is who they want to build their team around, but they can also showcase him for other teams who are in need of a point guard.
There’s no need to rush though. Any deal the Celtics could make with Rondo now will likely be there at the deadline in February, and they should be better ones.
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