2. Rajon Rondo
There may not be a player in the NBA right now who has done more to boost his value for 2016 free agency than point guard Rajon Rondo. This past summer in free agency, Rondo was coming off inarguably his worst season in the league with perceived attitude problems and virtually no market to sign him. While the Sacramento Kings haven’t been totally successful this season after ultimately signing Rondo, the veteran point guard has been.
Rondo has been revitalized by the move out west, putting up his best numbers in four seasons. He’s averaging a double-double midway through the year as he’s putting up 11.9 points and 11.6 assists per game. There’s no question that the idiosyncratic guard has brought new life to his career, but there’s equally no debate about the fact that the Lakers should avoid making the next stop in that new life of his Los Angeles.
The Lakers and Rondo have been linked together on a number of occasions in the past and, with Rondo re-establishing his value, you have to wonder if that mutual interest would again be in play this coming offseason. However, signing Rondo would not only put another body in the backcourt that’s primary focus should be on the development of D’Angelo Russell, but it would also put a strong personality on a roster that needs a fresh start after 20 seasons with Kobe Bryant. On all fronts, signing Rondo would be a poor decision by the Lakers front office.
Next: No. 1 Dwyane Wade