Rajon Rondo: The Next Jason Kidd

When the season began, Celtics' fans came out of the woodwork and automatically thought that they had a ring, with the new arrivals of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

But who was going to get the Big Three the ball?

Once they heard the name Rajon Rondo, fans instantly wanted another big name to complete their dominance. Rondo was criticized by fans and coach Doc Rivers for making poor choices early on in the season—many in the Garden even called for his immediate departure.

However, Rondo has preserved and has become a fan favorite in Beantown. Rajon has been key down the stretch helping Boston maintain a league-best record 40-9, even going 6-2 since Garnett’s injury.

Rondo, a Kentucky Wildcat alum, once had 31 assists in a game during his collegiate career. Rondo is one of the best PG’s in the league and his improved decision-making has made me compare him to a young Jason Kidd. He’s never had more than six turnovers in a game this season and has 18 5+ rebound games.

In only his second year, Rondo also has led his team in rebounding during Garnett’s absence. Rajon has also earned himself a spot on the 2008 sophomore squad that will be battling the rookies as part of the festivities during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

Here’s a chart that I have compromised below showing how Rondo’s numbers fare against the league’s top PG’s.

            FG      3PT      FT        RPG     APG       PPG      SPG      T.O.

Rondo 49.6% 33.3%, 62.8% ,   4.6 ,    4.8 ,     10.3 ,    1.73,     1.82

Billups 44.9% 41% ,  90.6 % ,   2.9  ,   7.1 ,     17.4    1.33 ,     1.96

Nash   50.7 % 47 %, 90.1 %, ,  3.1 ,   11.7 ,    17.3 ,  .72 ,       3.84

Paul   47.6 % 33.8%, 87.7%,    4.0 ,   10.9 ,    20.5 ,  2.56 ,     2.65

D.Will 51.4% 40.5 %, 79.5 %,   3.0 ,    9.7 ,     19.1 ,  1.10,      3.50

Kidd   36.6 % 35.6%, 82 %,      8.1 ,   10.4 ,    11.3 ,  1.45 ,     3.63

Rando's numbers match up pretty well against the top point guards in the league. His ability to sky high for rebounds and his knack for the ball make shows that he has the potential to be a 15-point, 10 assist kind of player for the rest of his career.

Bottom line: Rondo is a emerging star—look for him to be a big part of the Celtics’ Finals push and in the future.