Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton was very complimentary of Rajon Rondo when questioned about the points guard's basketball IQ and mentality.
Per Anthony Irwin of Silver Screen and Roll, Walton had nothing but positive things to say about the veteran guard's game, claiming:
“He’s a very special player. As smart as I’ve ever seen in the way he communicates. I did tell him with him playing we’re going to miss his voice on the bench. Last game (when Rondo was inactive against the Sacramento Kings) he had some entertaining commentary, but I’ve got to get him on the floor.”
This is high praise coming from Walton.
The former Laker forward has either played with or coached plenty of superstars over the years. He played under Phil Jackson and alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. Walton also coached a good part of the Warriors' historic 73-9 season, so he is very familiar with the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, all of whom are praised for their basketball intellect.
Given his history, Walton knows basketball genius when he sees it, and apparently, it is there in the recently-appointed starter for the Lakers.
Originally, Rondo's acquisition was questioned by many. How would Lonzo Ball mesh with another infamously bricky shooter? Would Rondo's presence clog the floor further for LeBron James and Brandon Ingram?
However, the head coach's confidence shows that Rondo can contribute to this team in different ways.
The savvy guard sees angles that most court generals can't, threading pass after pass to open teammates. He provides veteran leadership that is sorely needed in a young Lakers locker room, and he is known to unleash his unstoppable alter ego “playoff Rondo” when the stakes are the highest. And according to Walton, he might help just as much from the bench as when he's the floor due to his intelligent insight.
While it remains to be seen how well Rondo will mesh with his new team, Walton is certainly impressed with what he has seen so far.
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