People underrate Rondo a helluva lot. He's not a franchise player (at least until he develops his jumper), but neither are guys like Westbrook, Ellis, etc... Yes, he does have the players around him right now that maximize his abilities, but he still is a very elite playmaker, great finisher around the rim, and a very good rebounder and defender for his position. All of those things will translate no matter what team he is on, although he's obviously in a tremendous position on a team suited for his talents. However, his teammates don't make him the player he is, he does.