Rajon Rondo has missed the Dallas Mavericks' past six games due to an orbital and nasal fracture he suffered on January 31st against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now it seems as if the former All-Star point guard will be ready to return to the starting lineup Thursday, February 19, against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rondo was seen at Mavs practice Tuesday, February 17, and head coach Rick Carlisle let the media know that Rondo will be ready to play against the Thunder.
The injury to Rondo has really affected the transition for the Mavericks roster to the pass first point guard. Team chemistry and timing has certainly been affected by Rondo's absence, but the entire organization is optimistic on what Rondo brings to the team during his short stint, including owner Mark Cuban.
Cuban spoke with Dallas local radio hosts The Ben and Skin show on KRLD-FM 105.3 the Fan Tuesday afternoon and had this to say about his point guard.
"We struggled against good point guards before," Cuban said. "And we were getting lit up by teams who couldn't shoot threes, we were turning them into the best three-point shooters in the league. So that had to change. Because even if our offense gave a little bit, our defense had to get better. And we did.
"Teams are going to be able to lay off him when his shot's not dropping," Cuban said. "But there have been times when you need a bucket like the game in Sacramento and other places like Boston, he made big buckets.
"He's been working on his shot," Cuban said. "He's been in the gym, even during the time he's been hurt, working on his shot. No one wants to be able to knock down three-pointers more than he does."
Cuban echoed the number one reason the Mavs acquired Rondo, defense. Rondo gives the Mavericks a point guard that is capable of guarding and slowing down the West elite point guards on any given night. And Rondo will have no time to ease into playing again as he faces perhaps the toughest challenge Thursday night going up against Russell Westbrook who has been on an absolute tear this season.
Tyson Chandler (sprained ankle) and Monta Ellis (hip) are also expected to play Thursday after suffering injuries last week. Amar'e Stoudemire is also reported to be signing with the team after he clears waivers on February 18.
With their full lineup intact, it gives the Mavericks a good shot at making some noise in the Western Conference standings in the second half of the season.
