Rajon Rondo just needed a little sunshine, and now he is starting to blossom. Literally.
Things hadn’t been too rosy for the 29-year old point guard, who left the Dallas Mavericks at the end of last season after a disappointing four months marked by underwhelming numbers (9.3 points per game, 6.5 assists per game) and spats with head coach Rick Carlisle.
After a slow start to this season, though, Rondo is starting to tear it up for the Sacramento Kings.
The former Boston Celtic has recorded double-doubles in six of his last eight games and posted triple-doubles in three of those contests. He nearly was averaging a triple-double as of Friday with 12.6 points, 10.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
He racked up 14 points and a season-high 20 assists Monday against the Charlotte Hornets and pulled off this absurd “assist” Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks:
So what’s been the difference for Rondo in Sacramento? Maybe he’s just enjoying the new scenery? Judging by the enigmatic point guard’s comments Wednesday, that’s certainly a possibility.
“I’m more so into reading now,” Rondo told reporters, via the Sacramento Bee. “Different religions, growing plants, I’m doing things of that nature. It’s kind of crazy. I never thought I’d be doing things like this, at this age. I always thought I’d get into gardening or something like that when I was 50.”
Indeed, Rondo has his own garden, where he’s currently growing tomatoes. Apparently the 11-year veteran is using the skills he’s learned in that hobby to improve his leadership skills while working with teammates like All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.
“The way the life grows, plants depend on you to be healthy and make sure they grow the right way,” Rondo said. “I wouldn’t say it’s like taking care of a kid, but you do have to keep the maintenance up, make sure you’re giving them a little bit of attention.”
Rondo’s improved play hasn’t exactly translated into wins, as the Kings stand at 6-10 through Nov. 27. But for a player who’s had unceremonious exits from two cities over the past two seasons, establishing roots is a good start.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
