Why Rajon Rondo Can Carry the Boston Celtics Deep in the 2013 Playoffs

After an impressive 2012 playoff run that ended with a loss in the Eastern Conference finals to the eventual champion Miami Heat, it looked like the Big Three in Boston was going to be finally broken up.

But Kevin Garnett re-signed and Paul Pierce isn't going anywhere. Not only that, but with the pick up of Jason Terry, the Celtics will have their three point specialist. Terry may not be Ray Allen but he was the best option available.

Even though the Celtics retained (so far) two of their Big Three, it is more obvious that Boston is becoming Rajon Rondo's team.

His 44-point show against the Miami Heat was one performance that validated that statement. Erik Spoelstra repeatedly mentioned he simply didn't know how to defend the brilliant point guard.

Rajon Rondo has proven he is a top 10 player in the NBA, and as such can help carry a team. Not only that but Rondo makes the players around him better and does not insist on taking shot after shot. In fact, shooting is generally regarded as one of the weaker points for the former Kentucky guard.

The past two years, Rondo has averaged over 11 assists per game showing a glimpse of his true value, which is as a facilitator. Add nearly two steals per game over the course of his career and you get the picture that Rondo is also an elite perimeter defender.

And in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics do not have to beat the depth that teams like Oklahoma City have to contend with in the west. The main competition that they face is Miami and Chicago, other than that (and maybe the rising Indiana Pacers) the Celtics are already right at the top of the conference.

LeBron James will only get better after winning a championships but yes, Rajon Rondo has the ability to lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs next season.