Rajon Rondo doesn't hand out compliments lightly. So when one of the smartest point guards in NBA history calls your latest free agent "the most underrated passer in our game," you better believe that means something real.
On the recent episode of the Thanalysis Show, Rondo took the time to break down what makes Cole Anthony special, and why Milwaukee's about to watch him unlock a completely different level.
"I'm extremely excited for Cole. I love it even more because for me my whole life and career I was usually the underdog and you know counted out. So for me, it always fueled my fire [and] for Cole, I kind of see the same sense of, you know, Orlando didn't appreciate him or they didn't want him. They say he can do this, say he can do that," Rondo said.
Rajon Rondo had high praise for the Bucks' latest X-factor
Rondo recognizing that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality in Anthony is huge. That hunger is what separates good players from great ones when the opportunity finally comes. Fortunately for Anthony, it seems that opportunity finally came when he signed with Milwaukee.
"Him being in a particular role now with a coach like Doc Rivers, it's a point guard's dream, to be able to have the ball, create plays, and play with a guy, one of the most dominant guys that will play the game in Giannis Antetokounmpo," he said.
Rondo's influence is already showing in Anthony's game. After playing as a score-first type of guard for years, Anthony's assists per game have nearly doubled, from 2.9 dimes a night in Orlando last season to 5.1 this year through seven games.
But Rondo's pointed praise for Anthony, out of all the talented guards he's had the chance to work with on the Bucks roster, should have Milwaukee fans genuinely hyped about what's coming.
"I mean, the sky's the limit. I think he is the most underrated passer in our game. And I think if he taps into that more, and I think, you know, that's why Doc brought me along as well, just kind of helped me echo to him as well. He can change the game just having a talent like him…Just imagine Cole and Giannis in the pick and roll. I mean, just how do you guard it?"
"The most underrated passer in the game." Coming from Rondo, that may be the highest praise imaginable when it comes to passing. Rondo has always been someone who sees passing angles and opportunities that most would miss. If he's this excited about Anthony's vision and court awareness, there's something genuinely special brewing.
Rondo's not done though. He's pushing Anthony toward a complete identity shift.
"And if he can buy into the role that Doc and the staff wants him to play in this particular game, doesn't necessarily have to score, you know, as he was in Orlando, if he can be like more of a traditional point guard. I'm excited to see him play. I've been excited ever since day one in camp, watching him play. He's going to be special. And then I think he's going to make the game easier," he also said on Thanalysis.
For Anthony to go all-in on that transformation from score-first guard to traditional floor general is exactly what Milwaukee needs. We've already seen the flashes so far, but imagine what happens when that evolution fully takes hold and becomes routine.
The mentorship between Rondo and Milwaukee's guards might end up being the Bucks' most important offseason acquisition. Anthony's getting masterclasses from someone who orchestrated championship offenses and made Hall of Fame careers easier for teammates. That knowledge transfer is priceless.
The league's about to find out what "the most underrated passer in the game" looks like when he's finally in the right system.