The Cleveland Cavaliers are wasting no time in improving their roster after losing a key member. Cleveland has been a surprise throughout the 2021-22 NBA season and look like a postseason contender in the Eastern Conference. Recently, the Cavs lost Ricky Rubio to a torn ACL and they quickly made up for it.
Cleveland acquired Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers for Denzel Valentine, who was quickly sent to the New York Knicks. Rubio played in 34 games, making eight starts, the Cleveland. He has acted as a strong backup point guard to Darius Garland. Rubio was averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 assists per game off the bench this season. This was a difficult role to replace but the front office went after another veteran guard.
Garland leads the team with 19.5 points and 7.3 assists per game this season. The depth of Cleveland is something that has helped the team reach fifth place in the Eastern Conference. All of a sudden, the Cavaliers are looking like a postseason team and Rondo could help bring some leadership to a young team.
Rondo has been sidelined due to health and safety protocols recently. Once he returns, he will take on a backup role for the Cavaliers. Is there a chance he could take over as the new Rubio?
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Cleveland was getting great contributions from Rubio before he hurt his knee. Rondo was not producing as much in Los Angeles. He averaged 3.1 points and shooting 32.4% from the field in 18 games. This could be a bit of a product of the inconsistencies coming from the Lakers this season. Rondo has appeared in just 18 games for different reasons.
The Cavaliers wanted to make this deal which means they have a plan for Rondo. They feel good about what he can bring to the table. Cleveland knows its role this season. This is a team that is clicking at the moment and that should continue with Rondo taking over on the bench.
The short answer should be yes — Rondo should be able to help the Cavaliers. He has plenty of experience in big games and can bring some insight to a young team. Garland has been playing at an All-Star level and the duo, along with Rubio, has been working. It is time for Rondo to get healthy and contribute to the rotation.
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This is a move that shows that the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in winning this year. They did not fold when they lost a big piece. Instead, they decided to go after it and find a replacement. There could be some momentum building in Cleveland and Rajon Rondo will be part of it.
