 February 5, 2010 -- Two months ago, it was widely debated among Boston Celtics' fans whether or not Danny Ainge should sign Rajon Rondo to a long-term contract during or after the season.
Three months after locking up the 2010 All-Star point-guard up to a five-year, $55 million dollar contract, the Celtics' front office must be counting their blessings as Rajon Rondo is single-handedly putting a wounded Boston Celtics team on his shoulders.
On Friday night against the league's worst-team, the 4-44 New Jersey Nets (yes, you read that right), Rondo collected his fourth double-double in a row, with 17 points and 11 assists leading the Celtics to a 96-87 victory.
With #9 on the court, the Celtics were a plus-17 for the 44 minutes that he was on the floor for. For the four minutes Rondo took a break, the Celts were -9 in scoring differential.
With various injuries ailing the Celtics, the demands for Rondo to become the central cog amongst a cast of future Hall-of-Famers has been evidenced by the month-to-month increase in his playing time and scoring. His ability to break down defenses with his quick first-step has been aided by his ever-growing confidence in his jump-shot. The fourth-year guard currently has career-highs in points-per-game (14.3), minutes (37), steals (2.4), and assists (9.8).
If the Celts are to make a run at the title, Rondo just may be the star who shines the brightest come playoff time.
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