Is Rajon Rondo the Best Point Guard in the NBA?

In yesterday’s game versus the Miami Heat, Rajon Rondo showed why he is one of the elite point guards in the NBA.  The question is, “Is he the best point guard in the NBA?” A very interesting question when you consider the impact that he has on the Boston Celtics every time they hit the floor.  When you think of the top PG’s in the NBA several names come to mind; Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, Russel Westbrook, Deron Williams, and Chis Paul.  However what make Rondo different?

Lets consider Rondo’s impact on his team compared to the other guards in his class.  The top 5 assist leaders in the NBA are as follows; Steve Nash 11.3 APG, Rajon Rondo 11.0 APG, Chris Paul 8.8 APG, Jose Calderon 8.8 APG, and Deron Williams 8.6 APG.  (Westbrook comes in at 23rd w/ 5.5 APG.)  Assist to turnover ration: Nash 3.09, Rondo 3.07, Paul 4.36, Calderon 4.3, and Williams 2.17. (Westbrook 1.5.)  These stats alone show the impact that Rondo has on a team that is considered to be an aging team, and not as talented as teams like the Clippers or Thunder.

Secondly lets look at Rebounds per game.  Among the rebound leaders among guards Rondo averages 4.90 RPG, Westbrook 4.0 RPG, Nash 3.0 RPG, Williams 3.30, and Paul 3.40 APG.  Field goal percentage Nash is in the lead at 53%, Rondo 45%, Calderon 44%, Paul 49%, Williams 41%, and Westbrook at 47%.

Next we will look at team record since the All Star break.  Since All Star Weekend the Celtics are 15-5 since the break.  the Thunder are 13-5, the Nets are 8-10, the Suns are 12-6, the Clippers are 11-10, and the Raptors are 8-12.  The post All Star Game records show that Rondo is having a bigger impact on his team than the other point guards, and that the Celtics are starting to peek at the right time.

Lastly lets look at triple doubles on the season.  LeBron James leads the NBA w/ 4 triple doubles this year, but he’s not a guard.  Rondo, Igudala (F), and Westbrook all are tied w/ 3 triple doubles, and the only other top PG in the NBA, Derrick Rose, has logged in only 1.

These stats should give us a deeper look into the proficiency of Rondo’s all around game.  Although he is only averaging 12.4 PPG, he is strongly proficient in other areas that has his team playing at their best since the All Star break.  The Boston Celtics are an aging team and are dealing with a lot of injuries this year with Allen, O’Neal, and Pietrus, and have traded away players like Davis, Perkins, and Tony Allen, all of whom helped them win a championship in the 2009-2010 season.  Rondo is the only one who has a ring w/ all the PG’s whom are considered to be the best in the NBA, and although the Celtics may not have enough fire power to win a ring this year, they are definitely a team the Bulls, Heat, or Orlando do not want to play in the second round of the playoffs.