Rajon Rondo Is Key to Boston Celtics' Playoff Run

Rajon Rondo has what all the current crop of new age superstars want—a championship ring.

Yet, NBA society keeps thinking that the Boston Celtics point guard is a mere by-product of the team's Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.  

In spite of his accomplishments, Rondo is considered a marginal star when compared to Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Derrick Rose. They get the accolades, but he keeps on being the one indispensable component on both sides of the ball for the Celtics.

C's coach Doc Rivers let Rondo run wild in the last game of the 2008 season, and he rose to the challenge. In 2009, when Garnett was sidelined with injuries, he averaged a near double-double throughout Boston's playoff run. This year he was finally rewarded with a new contract and his first All-Star berth.

He used to be a drama queen every time he got touched, writhing on the court as if he was hit by a Mack truck. Now he just bounces back up and accepts the challenge of going to the free-throw line.

This playoff season will show if he is indeed the future of the Boston Celtics; Rondo must be a factor for four quarters.

This has only happened when one of the Big Three has been sidelined. The Celtics continue to treat him like a replacement part when he is the one that can deliver them to the promised land.

Boston's coaching staff laments how the ball stops moving during pivotal times in the game. When it does happen, Rondo can be seen on the periphery of the play directing traffic while Pierce or Allen look for their shots.

Those are the moments that frustrate the team, because Rondo possesses the Celtics' best basketball IQ when it comes to finding the open man. 

He has now shot a respectable 70 percent in the past month at the free-throw line, and he is taking—and making—shots within his range.

Rondo showed his versatility in the final regular season game by setting up shop in the low post against Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings. The Bucks didn't know what to do, and Rondo proceeded to pick them apart with his passes, forcing Bucks coach Scott Skiles to bench Jennings.

Rajon Rondo is a basketball player who defends, passes, and has a surprisingly efficient offensive game.

If the Boston Celtics want to make a deep playoff run, Rondo must be the catalyst.