Rajon hates 'Playoff Rondo' moniker

Questions surround New Orleans Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo every season, whether it's about his shooting, his stat-chasing, or being a pain in his coaches' behind.

But like clockwork, Rondo is praised when the playoffs begin, labeled as "Playoff Rondo" thanks to his increased production every postseason. But it's a name the four-time All-Star isn't necessarily proud of.

"I hate it," Rondo said of the nickname, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

However, despite his distaste for the moniker, Rondo is providing a much greater spark for the Pelicans so far this postseason than he did at any point during the regular season. He averaged 11.3 points, 13.3 assists, and 7.5 rebounds in New Orleans' Round 1 sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, improving on his 8.3 points, 8.2 assists, and four boards during the season.

Rondo is playing nine minutes per game more in the postseason, allowing the veteran an opportunity to show he's still capable of taking over a game, adding "You're only as good as your coach allows you to be."

"I've done what I've done in the past," Rondo said. "I let my game speak for itself. I feel like, when I get a certain amount of minutes and when the coaches allow me to be me on the court, I'm Rondo. There's no 'Playoff Rondo.'"

Focusing on his postseason success may be unfair considering his regular-season accomplishments, including three-time NBA assist leader, one time All-NBA, and four-time All-Defensive team honors.

"'Playoff Rondo,' I think, is a myth. But I do love the big moments."