Seltzer’s Notebook: Brown Appreciates Rodriguez’s Contributions

Rodriguez Making Most of OpportunityOn the heels of a four-game stretch during which he combined to shoot 25.6 percent and average 5.5 points per game, Sergio Rodriguez bounced back with an efficient scoring showing Saturday in Atlanta. The 30-year old connected on 5 of 9 attempts from the field, and racked up 13 points, his second-highest total of the year. His three 3-pointers matched a season-best. One area where the point guard's production has so far yet to waver is his ability to effectively distribute the basketball. As of Sunday, Rodriguez ranked seventh in the league in assists per game (7.1), and sixth in assists per 36 minutes (8.6) among players who have so far logged at least 250 total minutes this season. Rodriguez has stood out in less traditional statistical categories as well. His 68.1 passes made per game are second to only Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook. He's also generated a respectable assist percentage of 38.8. Prior to the Sixers' Saturday appearance at Philips Arena, Brett Brown spoke highly of Rodriguez, commending him for stepping up when injuries to the team caused his role, and the expectations surrounding him, to change. “We brought him in to be a back up to Jerryd Bayless,” said Brown. “We all know we lost our starting NBA point guard in Jerryd Bayless (left wrist pain), and, at times, I was going to give Ben Simmons (right foot fracture) the ball, and those two things just aren't available at the moment. So, he's been sort of bumped up. Everybody's had to sort of go to the next seat in front of them, and so now he's our starting point guard.”A former three-time All-Spanish ACB League honoree and EuroLeague MVP, Rodriguez has, according to Brown, brought valuable leadership to the Sixers' roster, too. Going forward, defensive development remains a top priority.”As much respect as I have for his history in the ACB in Spain and FIBA and the Euroleague, it's not like you're dealing with a 6'6,” 6'5,” 6'4″ athlete right on your doorstep every pick and roll that you're in,” Brown said. “Him navigating that NBA athlete, that NBA tenacity, that length, that defense is something that he's growing in and we need him to continue to lead us in the role that he has been placed in.”Rodriguez and the Sixers' backcourt figure to be in for an immense challenge Monday. Houston, of course, boasts All-Star James Harden, who's coming off back-to-back triple-double performances.