Celtics Begging Rondo To Take Open Shots

Opposing defenses have a habit of leaving Rajon Rondo open on the perimeter and the Celtics want their point guard taking those shots.

On countless occasions last season, Rondo passed on open jumpers, seeking refuge with a pass to a covered teammate. This year he is snapping those jumpers and burning defenses with his improved range. Rondo is years from being considered a 3-point shooter, but he is more comfortable with the long-range jumper than pundits believe.

"He's wide open," forward Paul Pierce said. "He was open two or three seconds before he even took it. We were begging him to shoot it. Hey, we'll take that, a wide open look. Rondo, he's showed he can make those shots, especially under pressure situations. I take it. I told him after the game, I'll take that shot."

There is still stubbornness in Rondo, a refusal to acknowledge his jumper is a weakness. That teams are blatantly inviting him to shoot is a sign of disrespect for his perimeter game. Teammate Jermaine O’Neal said recently that once Rondo develops a jumper, much like what has been said about Derrick Rose and about Jason Kidd 10 years ago, his game will be impeccable.

Rondo would like to think it’s impeccable now. The white elephant in his mental living room is that darn jumper. It’s improving, but it’s not yet there. It’s there in practice. It has been there during stretches this season, but until he knocks it down with consistency, he will be left alone.

 source: Rondo jumped at his chance - The Boston Globe