The Cleveland Cavaliers face the most important game of their season on Friday when they battle the Atlanta Hawks to determine the eighth and final spot in the East. Rajon Rondo has been a key player for the Cavs off the bench and they’re looking for him to bust out “Playoff Rondo” for what they are hoping will be an extended postseason run.
Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff recently explained why he sees Rondo as such an important asset to the team. He’s no star, but what he brings to the table is definitely something that makes Cleveland a better team:
“The proof’s in the pudding,” said the Cavs coach, via Chris Fedor of cleveland.com. “He’s smarter than most people. That’s a fact. He’s a savant. When you are that intelligent, you understand how to manipulate possessions, and that’s what this game comes down to in postseason play. It’s how can you make adjustments quick enough to impact what the opponent is trying to do. Because of his intelligence and IQ, his passing ability, he has the ability to do those things. Defensively he knows how to get into spots where he can be disruptive. It’s his brain, for sure, but he’s got the skills to go with it.”
Rondo has never been the best player on the court, but there’s no denying that he is one of the most intelligent players out there. He’s proven this throughout what has been a decorated career, and he’s hoping to add another feather in his cap this season with the Cavs.