Chicago Bulls: 5 former players to root for in Orlando

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with Doug McDermott #3 after a play in the fourth quarter during a game at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with Doug McDermott #3 after a play in the fourth quarter during a game at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Former Chicago Bulls to root for in Orlando: Rajon Rondo

It feels weird calling Rajon Rondo a former Bull. He only spent one season in Chicago, and it was a less-than-stellar season, to say the least. The former NBA champ averaged a minuscule 7.8 points per game on .408/.376/.600 shooting splits to go along with 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds. At one point, the Bulls even decided they were better off with him coming off the bench.

So why root for Rondo’s success? Despite a forgettable 2016-17 regular season, he was sensational for a few brief moments in the playoffs.

Remember the 2017 playoffs? When the Bulls almost shocked the basketball world? Chicago was the eighth seed and almost took down the one-seeded Boston Celtics. Rondo led Chicago to two huge victories to kick off the series, giving the Bulls a 2-0 series lead heading back to Chicago. His Game 2 stat line: 11 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds and five steals. He was a +24 in 40 minutes of action. Sheesh!

Rondo ended up getting hurt and the Bulls dropped the next four games, losing the series in six, but Prime Rondo showed once again how dominant he can be. He’ll be fun to watch as LeBron James and Co. go for a title.