Rondo’s improving play bodes well for Celtics

With recent injuries to stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics fans have begun to see firsthand just how fragile the aging Celtics stars are. Regardless of how the Green finish the season, with each passing day it has become abundantly clear that the future of the Celtics is in the hands of two other members of the starting lineup: Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo.One member of that duo, Rondo, has become one of the NBA’s most dynamic point guards. A unique combination of speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ has Rondo on the verge of making his first All-Star team. Celtics captain Pierce, an 8-time All-Star himself, thinks Rondo is tops in the Eastern Conference.”He means so much to this ballclub for what he brings,” Pierce said. “In my eyes, being one of the better teams, I think our starting five should be in the All-Star Game, truthfully. But he has emerged as the best or one of the best point guards in the East.”Rondo’s numbers more than back up the captain’s claims. Currently, Rondo leads the Eastern Conference in assists at nearly 10 per game, and with an NBA-best 2.6 steals per game he has truly come into his own. At 23 years old, Rondo has already won an NBA championship, and soon should be able to add “All-Star” to his growing resume. With the health of the Celtics still an ongoing question, the Green have had to lean on their young leader, and Rondo has not disappointed. Regardless of their health, this reporter believes that Rajon Rondo is probably the only Celtic truly worthy of an All-Star invitation.Rondo has truly had a whirlwind last six months. Signing a $55 million extension in the offseason, Rondo has truly become the future of the franchise.”It is what it is,” said Rondo. “I’m happy with my situation. They can get all the accolades and awards. I just want a ring, bottom line.”Celtics oft-injured star Garnett thinks Rondo is the perfect player for this particular Celtics team.”With the veterans that we have here, it gives him a cushion; he doesn’t necessarily have a lot of responsibility to score,” Garnett said. “But he has a big responsibility in keeping everything intact. He’ll get on your behind when you’re not doing something. In the huddle, he’ll say something and if he feels like you’re not listening to him, he’ll grab you. He’s aggressive, and his aggressiveness fits this team.”With Garnett spending more time in the locker room than on the court lately, the Celtics need Rondo more now than ever. With the All-Star game just a few weeks away, it is looking as if the future for the Boston Celtics is getting brighter as Rondo continues to get better.