JB Bickerstaff Says He’s Big Fan Of Cavs Newcomer Rajon Rondo

Count Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff among those who are excited about the addition of veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.

“What I respect most is his mind,” Bickerstaff said. “When you’re watching a guy orchestrate a game, as a fan of basketball, that’s what you love to see. You love to see a guy be able to dictate and control a game.”

That’s Rondo in a nutshell. At the age of 35, he has been in every situation — from winning championships with the Celtics (2008) and Lakers (2020), to playing a critical role for a resurgent Hawks team for the first half of last season.

Following a three-way trade with the Lakers and Knicks, Rondo is now a member of the Cavs, who are undergoing a resurgence themselves. He will be counted on to replace fellow veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, out for the year after suffering a tear of his ACL.

“He can manipulate the defense when he’s on offense, and then defensively, he can manipulate an offense,” Bickerstaff said of Rondo. “You have a ton of respect for guys like that.”

Rondo was barely playing for the Lakers this season, appearing in 18 games. But despite the fact LA boasts the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, it’s been a bit of a mess.

Rondo’s performance there this season really shouldn’t be factored into what he offers.

“You talk about his edge and his competition level, those are the guys you appreciate and respect the most,” Bickerstaff said.

The Cavs (21-16) sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference entering Tuesday’s home game vs. the Grizzlies. They won all of 22 games last season, so it just goes to show how much they’ve improved this year.

Rondo just exited health and safety protocols, though his immediate availability remains up in the air. Darius Garland, the man Rondo will be backing up, is no longer listed on the injury report and could play vs. Memphis.