Knicks hope Jeffries can slow Rondo

Consider this crazy thought: reserve Jared Jeffries as a critical element to the Knicks' chances of winning their first-round playoff series against the Celtics.

Yes, that Jared Jeffries, the guy who occasionally hits the side of the backboard with his jump shot and makes free-throw shooting an adventure. But Jeffries, reacquired March 1 after the Rockets waived him, might be the only Knick who can keep All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo from dominating.

"I think if you look over the course of this year, any time he has 10 assists, their record is through the roof,'' Jeffries said, referencing the Celtics' 35-6 mark when Rondo does that. "The most important thing is if you can put somebody on him who can contain him, guys don't have to help.''

Jeffries explained that if Knicks defenders don't have to help on Rondo, the Big Three of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett won't be as open for easy shots.

Jeffries would be an option coming off the bench, especially if Rondo got on a roll. Using Jeffries for limited minutes as part of a scheme would be a matter of protecting Chauncey Billups, who has had trouble defending quicker point guards.

Most coaches wouldn't consider using a 6-11 forward/center to defend a point guard, but Mike D'Antoni rarely follows conventional thinking. During the 2008-09 season, with a need to protect the slow-footed Chris Duhon, D'Antoni surmised that Jeffries had just enough quickness to keep Rondo in front of him and the length to play off him while still being within reach of the ball. Although the Knicks lost that game, 110-100, Rondo (seven assists) wasn't very effective.

In three games against the Knicks this season, Rondo has averaged 16.7 assists and posted a triple-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, 24 assists) Oct. 29 in Boston. In the last meeting at Madison Square Garden, Rondo had 13 points and 12 assists in 42:29 in a 96-86 win by the Celtics. Jeffries played only 16:25 and saw little time against him.

Rondo is most effective when he uses his quickness and uncanny elusiveness while driving. His court awareness is so vivid, he can destroy a defense by drawing help and making precise passes to open teammates. But as dominant as he can be with the ball, his Achilles' heel -- much like Jeffries -- is his shooting.

Against the Knicks this season, Rondo has shot only 40.5 percent, including 0-for-5 on three-pointers. The Knicks want to encourage him to keep trying by having Jeffries play off him and use his long wingspan to cut off dribble penetration.

The Celtics are more than happy to see Jeffries on the court and do little to hide their lack of respect for his offensive game. Whoever is matched up against him generally becomes a roving double-team defender.

"I have to be more cognizant of being more effective and efficient,'' Jeffries said, "to make teams pay attention to me, so I don't hurt us offensively and I can help us defensively.''

It could be the key to the series.

Notes & quotes: Ronny Turiaf, who is expected to start at center in Game 1, said he was considering the reverse of the playoff beard. The last time he was clean-shaven? 2005 . . . Shelden Williams will platoon with Turiaf at center. Williams twisted an ankle in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's season finale but said he is fine.