The Mavericks introduced point guard Rajon Rondo on Friday evening. Coach Rick Carlisle compared him to perennial All-Star Jason Kidd.
“They are two of the most resourceful guys … they just find ways to win,” Carlisle said at a press conference.
The Mavericks acquired the 28-year-old All-Star from in Celtics in a trade Thursday. The Mavs also received center Dwight Powell. In return, they sent the Celtics Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, a first-round draft pick in 2015 and a second-round selection in 2016.
Although Rondo can become a free agent at the end of the season, he can pay immediate dividends for the Mavericks, who enter Saturday’s game against the Spurs with a 19-8 mark. Rondo provides an immediate upgrade over Nelson, who started 23 of the Mavs' first 27 games this season at the point.
Rondo said he greatly admired the Mavericks as an opponent.
“They are obviously a championship-caliber team,” he said. “Everybody on the team is very intelligent. What I’ve seen from when I played against them, everybody plays really hard.
“I am very excited to be here. I’m ready to start a new chapter.”
Rondo leads the NBA with 10.8 assists per contest. His career marks stand at 11.0 points and 8.5 assists per game.