Rondo Motivated by Parker in NBA Finals

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo isn’t one to pour compliments on opposing players. He doesn’t tend to watch other teams play basketball either, unless it is to study film. However, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker grabbed his attention with the way he moved without the ball in the NBA Finals, and now Rondo is incorporating some of Parker’s game into his already stacked arsenal of weapons.

“He’s a guy that usually dominates the ball like myself, but in the Finals he got off the ball a lot and he never stopped moving,” Rondo said of Parker. “A guy at that age, not that he’s old, but I think he’s 31 (Ed. Note: Parker is 32), to be able to move with the young guys says a lot.”

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge had challenged Rondo to get in the best shape of his career for this season. When Rondo watched Parker play in the NBA Finals, he noticed his conditioning. A veteran, Parker kept up with everyone else on the floor. His contributions were key in the Spurs’ championship victory over the Miami HEAT.

Rondo decided on his own to watch Parker’s game closely; it wasn’t suggested by coaches or anyone else. The combination of Ainge’s challenge and Parker’s impressive performance motivated Rondo.

“(I like) how great of shape he’s in,” Rondo said of Parker. “He’s a guy that’s that age and at the point guard spot, he never stops.”

At 28, Rondo is one of the oldest players on a young Celtics squad. Starting forward Jared Sullinger is 22, fellow rookie guard Marcus Smart is only 20. Rondo could thrive in an up-tempo system with athletic legs. That also means he will have to stay conditioned to take advantage of it.

Rondo knows the importance of being in shape; he has been battling injuries the past two seasons. He tore his ACL in January 2013 and suffered a broken left hand in September. After missing training camp, Rondo played in the Celtics’ regular season opener Wednesday and estimated his health at “91 percent.” He posted a double-double with 13 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in 30 minutes during the Celtics’ 121-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

For years, Rondo has been judged by what he can do with the ball. As an All-Star point guard, he is one of the brightest basketball minds and can dazzle with his playmaking skills. On the flip side, he has been criticized for his shooting abilities.

Rondo wants to elevate his game in another aspect this season. Just as Parker does, he knows he can have an impact when his teammates have possession. In addition to facilitating offense, he also likes the matchup problems it can cause the defense.

“I just love the way he moves without the ball,” Rondo said. “I don’t like to watch a lot of basketball, but seeing him, he’s a great pick-and-roll player, he can dominate the ball. But in the Finals, in particular, he passed and he cut through and he got the ball on the weak side … he knocked down his corner threes. I’ve got a lot of respect for a guy like Tony Parker.”

He later added, “That’s tough. It’s tough to defend and it’s tough to do it.”

Rondo hasn’t talked to Parker about his game. Carefully studying with his watchful eye has given him plenty of insight and motivation in his ninth season.

He pointed out to Basketball Insiders, “I’m just giving him credit where credit’s due.”