WEEK 4, DEBATE 3: Rajon Rondo vs. Manu Ginobili

        

VS.

Who would you rather have this season: Rajon Rondo or Manu Ginobili?

RONDO'S REP:

"When I think of Rondo the first word that comes to mind is wow. People use his scoring as a stick to beat him with, but what’s his job exactly? To create and manage the game. He plays this role to perfection. That’s why he’s been central to Boston’s revival that includes a Championship. Few players are on Rondo’s level. Here’s a guy who averaged an incredible 11.2 assists-per-game, 2.3 steals-per-game, 4.4 rebounds-per-game (Regular Season), and 14 points-per-game (Playoffs). Not bad for someone who can’t score. He was second behind only LeBron in triple-doubles. But you best judge a player by how his team does without him. Without Rondo the Celtics aren’t a contender. He gives them jaw-dropping energy and is the ultimate team player. Ginobili conversely is declining physically, is an average defensive player, and commits costly turnovers – 17 in five Playoff games in that crushing loss to Memphis."

GINOBILI'S REP:

"You say that Ginobli is declining, but I am more concerned about his statistics than his hairline, which say otherwise. Although he started as the second-to-last pick in the ‘99 draft, he has gradually improved to put up some of his best stats last year (second-best in points, assists, FT%, and 3PTs). Although there is no question that Rondo excels at racking up assists, that is easy to do when you have three scoring juggernauts on your team who crave the ball. Who else was going to pass to Garnett, Allen, and Pierce last year? This also helps Rondo cover up his major weakness: he cannot shoot the ball! Rondo’s strengths are passing and defense, which fortunately fill the holes left from the Celtics' scoring superstars. However, Rondo would be in real trouble on a team where would have to shoot like any other top-tier guard."

RONDO'S REP:

"Three points. Firstly, it’s very naive to say ‘who else is going to pass to the Big 3’; it shows a disregard for Rondo’s ability and what he offers to a team. Each night Rondo is averaging a hand in 30-plus points. And if you’re a scorer he will get the ball to you. Secondly, while Ginobili’s still a capable player, he showed when given extra responsibility his body and game can no longer hold, especially under pressure. Last season he missed more shots and when in transition his speed and agility showed signs of decline. Both Ginobili’s three-point and overall field-goal percentages dropped off slightly, showing his days as the dominant sharp-shooter are also drawing to a close. Thirdly, defense wins championships and Rondo is an NBA All-Star. With his age Rondo’s still got time to improve. That’s why going into this season I pick him over Ginobili."

GINOBILI'S REP:

"You’re arguing that Rondo’s assisting capabilities create scorers and is a major contribution to those 30 points a game. However, I don’t think that Garnett, Allen or Pierce had an issue getting the ball and scoring before Rondo came along. Having three serious scoring threats makes it easy to find one open player to amass assists from. You say that Rondo will improve with age, but given that speed and athleticism are two of his strongest assets, these will only diminish with time. However, although Ginobili may be aging, he still has plenty of life in those legs. Last year he played in 80 games, as opposed to Rondo’s 68, which shows that he still has the energy and drive to complement his experience. I will take my veteran that can fulfil all the requirements of a well-rounded guard, regardless of those he is surrounded by."

Who won this debate? Go to the right sidebar to cast your vote!