Kentucky Basketball fans have even more reason to cheer for the New Orleans Pelicans.
The New Orleans Pelicans have signed former Kentucky Basketball guard Rajon Rondo to a one year deal. Joining Rondo on the Pelicans will also be four other former Wildcats. With him will be Demarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Darius Miller and James Young. Barely missing the playoffs last season look for the Pelicans to make some noise in the Western Conference. Rondo will also bring a lot of experience and leadership to the team that will be huge for an inexperienced team. We’ll take a look at what he can offer to take the Pelicans over the top.
Elite Passing
What helped Rondo jump start his career in the NBA was his great passing ability. Joining a team with two all star big men in Cousins and Davis will give him great targets. Averaging almost nine assists per game throughout his career, Rondo will be a great addition to get the big men the ball. Miller and Young will benefit from the Rondo addition as well. Miller and Young are great shooters and with Rondo’s ability to pass, he will get them the ball where they want it. Rondo’s passing will bring a completely different dimension to that offense making them a playoff contender.
Championship Mentality
Playing alongside future Hall of Famers Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce in Boston, Rondo won an NBA championship in 2008. Knowing what it takes to get to the top and win is a skill not very many players can offer. Now that Rondo is a veteran who has proven to be a champion, he can translate that over to his new team. The last time the Pelicans made the playoffs was in 2015 when they lost to the Golden State Warriors. With new faces and all star caliber players this could be the year when they not only make the playoffs, but also make a run. Although it’s only for a year, Rondo could be the guy to take them over the hump.
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Over the last nine NBA seasons only three players averaged six or more assists a game, Lebron James, Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo. Being the pass-first point guard that Rondo is he will be dishing out a lot of dimes next season. BBN, got get yourselves new Pelicans gear because this may be your new favorite team in the months to come!