Rajon Rondo to sign with Pelicans

Free agent Rajon Rondo has signed on with the New Orleans Pelicans according to The Vertical.

Details are scant, but it looks like the Pelicans have a new point guard in former NBA champion Rajon Rondo. Shams Charania of The Vertical broke the news on Twitter.

Rondo just came off a disappointing season with the Bulls, which saw him average just 7.8 points a game in a reduced role. He’s also said to have clashed with stars Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler.

Rondo, once considered one of the top 10 point guards in the NBA, has fallen out of favor with many in the league. His lack of an outside shot makes him something of a liability in the modern game.

He could easily provide value to a well-built team. His passing skills remain elite, even if the rest of his game has lost a step. However, his reputation as a prima donna has made him an unpopular choice among some front-offices. It isn’t surprising it took him this long to get signed.

It will be interesting to see how he fits in with the stacked front court of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. The chemistry between the big men was obvious last season, even when it didn’t translate to wins.

Cousins has history with Rondo, as they have played together at Sacramento. If the rumors of Rondo’s personality are true, then Cousins of all people would know how to deal with him.

It isn’t clear at the moment, however, what role Rondo would serve. The team already has a decent number one in Jrue Holiday. It isn’t known whether the team is only taking Rondo on as a bench player or whether they plan to trade Holiday and deploy Rondo as the primary point guard.

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However much Rondo is on the floor, though, the dynamic will be fascinating. He’ll be playing with DeMarcus Cousins, a center who has a better career three point percentage than him. It should also be noted that Rondo shot 60 percent on free throws last year.