Rondo at Barbers in the Philippines courtesy of InterAKTV/Rey Joble

Back when Rondo was at the Nike World Basketball Festival in France, I translated an interview that he did with a French magazine where he had this to say:

I have matured a lot and my game has also. I think I am one of the best playmakers in the League. I think I'm the best point guard in the League.

There has been a lot of discussion over that little statement from him. Personally I want my point guard to think he's the best in the league. I don't want a point guard who doubts his abilities. Since that time, Jason Terry has said that he feels that Rondo is the best point guard in the league and reported that Jason Kidd agrees with him. There will always be debate because every point guard in the league brings a different style and different strengths.

Now, Rajon Rondo is in the Philippines, and he made this statement shortly after arriving there on his Red Bull tour:

“I hope I can end my career as the greatest point guard in the history of the Boston Celtics,” he said.

Being the best point guard in the league is one thing, but being the best point guard in Celtics history is another thing completely. Let's look at some of the competition in this area: Bob Cousy, Dennis Johnson, Tiny Archibald, Jo Jo White, KC Jones, John Bagley. (Just kidding on that last one... Wanted to see if you were awake).



Let's just look at just one of the point guards Rondo will have to outdo in order to become the best point guard in Celtics history. Without a doubt, Bob Cousy was the greatest point guard in the storied history of the Boston Celtics. Even though he almost slipped through Red's hands, fate intervened to bring him to Boston and he ended up winning six titles during his memorable 13 seasons in Boston.

He was named the league's MVP in 1957 and earned All-Star MVP honors twice. In addition, he was an All-Star every year that he played in the league. Cousy retired from the Celtics in 1963, however, he's still the team's career leader in assists with 6945. In Rondo's 6 seasons so far, he has amassed about half as many assist with a total of 3,523. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that if he also spends 13 years in a Celtics uniform that he might surpass that total.

But Cousy wasn't one dimensional as a player he is also in the top ten in games played (917), minutes played (30.131), points (16,955), average points (18.5), field goals made (6,167), Free Throws made (4,621), and Free Throw percentage (80.3%). Rondo is going to have to improve his shooting, especially from the free throw line in order to rival Cousy as the greatest ever. It wasn't just his passing that made him great, but his ability to score along with finding his teammates with those pinpoint passes. But, as I said before, I'd rather have Rondo striving to be the greatest ever than settling to be just good. I personally wouldn't bet against Rondo reaching this lofty goal, either.

[Discuss on CG Forums!]