Amidst the trades during the deadline day, the Los Angeles Clippers got hold of the veteran point guard and former Lakers star in Rajon Rondo. The 35-year-old has been the biggest acquisition for Kawhi Leonard and company as they sent Lou Williams to the Atlanta Hawks as a part of the deal on deadline day. Rondo can be a very interesting piece for the Clippers as Leonard and Paul George were always asking for a playmaking point guard.
Recently Kawhi Leonard spoke about the 35-year-old’s inclusion and what he brings to the table. He spoke at the press conference after their big win over the Philadelphia 76ers. When asked about Rajon Rondo, Leonard heaped praises on the veteran point guard and felt that he has that experience of winning the Championships and that will be very crucial. He also added how Rajon will bring in all his intelligence, creativity and allow the Clippers an extra attacking option and he is someone they needed the most.
“He’s a point guard that’s been there before in the previous championship runs. He’s gonna give us that veteran mentality, and experience. And giving us another ball-handler and playmaker that can attack the rim and make the defense collapse.”
The 35-year-old was very crucial in Frank Vogel’s LA Lakers side which won the NBA Championship last season. He was the third best player for the Purple and Golds. Rajon ran the show whenever Vogel decided to rest LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He could only afford to take both his star players off the pitch because he had someone as experienced as Rajon Rondo leading the side. He would run the show, creating offence and helping his teammates get open looks. He played a huge role last season in their Championship run and Leonard and George will hope that the point guard repeats that form for the Clippers this season.
The Clippers were interested in signing Rajon in the free agency as they felt that he was the missing piece in their jigsaw puzzle. But the Atlanta Hawks offered him more money and secured his services. But his stint with Atlanta did not work out and therefore the Clippers secured him finally on the deadline day. Now the 35-year- old again has another shot at the Championship, though he has not taken the court for the Clippers he has definitely strengthened their ranks this season.
