The Dallas Mavericks were running one of the most efficient offenses in the history of the NBA for most of the season. Then they pulled the trigger on a trade for Rajon Rondo that everyone agreed would make them better. The only problem was, the team sputtered.
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Sputtered until recently, that is. Over the past few games, the Mavs have returned to form as an offensive juggernaut that can and does cause problems for even the best of defenses. Obviously the sample size is small, but it could be sign that things are finally clicking for the Rondo-era Mavs.
"We're on a good path," coach Rick Carlisle said Monday. "We've just got to continue to work. He and I are spending a lot of time together working on our offense. He wants to be the quarterback, which is great.
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There are still two lingering questions hanging over the team, however. The short-term question is how far can they go in the playoffs? The stacked Western Conference provides a brutal path to the NBA finals for even the best teams.
The larger issue is whether the team will be able to convince Rondo to return this summer when his contract expires. The Los Angeles Lakers have made it known that they intend to pursue Rondo with gusto this summer, and Kobe Bryant has already been on the recruiting trail to woo the point guard.
Dallas has made it known that they would like to keep Rondo, but there is not exactly a long list of free agents that have chosen Dallas (or anywhere, really) over the Lakers.
Rondo has refused to comment on the situation, saying that he is focused on the regular season. But Rondo's recent comments certainly sound different than his old ones, which made it seem like he was just waiting to leave.
"What's different is they're getting me the ball a lot faster on the break," Rondo said about the offense's recent success. "I've earned these guys' confidence, knowing they're going to get the ball back."
The team will still have its work cut out to bring Rondo back. But for the first time since trading for him, there may be reason for optimism.
See the clip below to check out the resurgent Dallas offense.
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