Alex Caruso vs. Rajon Rondo
The Los Angeles Lakers needed a secondary ball-handler to help take the load off LeBron James all season. Rob Pelinka will undoubtedly address this problem during the offseason, which probably means there won’t be room to keep Alex Caruso and Rajon Rondo on the squad.
Rajon Rondo is the veteran with championship experience, and Alex Caruso is the guy who’s just happy to be there. Despite Rondo’s background and his reputation as a “basketball savant,” this choice is incredibly easy.
Alex Caruso is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the association. Alex has a career 37.5 three-point shooting percentage, and he’s a true ballhawk. Alex is only 25-years-old– a year or two away from his prime–but he’s already capable of locking down the opposing squad’s best perimeter player. Plus, Caruso’s not afraid of the moment, he’s more than willing to take clutch 3-pointers or to drive to the rack at the end of close games.
Alex Caruso is a difference-maker, the type of player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. Before the 2019-2020 season abruptly ended, Alex was second on the Lakers in net rating at +5.0. Every championship-caliber squad needs one or two Alex Caruso’s (guys who don’t have huge egos) to keep things humming along.
Rajon Rondo’s not as old as he seems, he’s only 33, but his career is almost finished. He doesn’t fit in today’s NBA because he can’t defend, he can’t hit an open jumper, and he can’t manufacture his own shot. He’s still an elite passing point guard, but having one good skill isn’t enough.
Rob Pelinka would be crazy to keep Rajon Rondo and trade, Alex Caruso. The only question surrounding Rondo over the summer will be whether another squad signs him to a minimum deal or if he retires early.