The Boston Celtics broke up the original "Big Three" as Ray Allen signed with the Miami Heat, but Rajon Rondo will step in and run the offense in what used to be Paul Pierce's team.
It became evident after the 2011 Playoffs that Pierce's tank was running out of gas. Rondo stole headlines against the Heat in the Eastern Conference Championship and had Pierce take a back seat as he led the Celtics through victories and defeat.
During the regular season, Rondo averaged 11.9 points, 11.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Not only was he great on offense, he played great defense averaging 1.8 steals a game.
Rondo showed poise and maturity in the playoffs, outside of the incident with the referees in the Atlanta Hawks, as he nearly took the Celtics into the NBA Finals. He scored 17.9 points, close to 7 rebounds and 11.9 rebounds a game.
Granted the 17.9 points are blown up because he only played 19 playoff games, the scouting report on Rondo is that he cannot shoot. He put on a show in Game 2 against the Heat, scoring 44 points, but the old Celtics could not get the victory.
2012 should be an ever greater coming out party for Rondo. As Pierce nears retirement, the power has slowly shifted to his side.
At only 26 years old, what is there not to like?
From now on I believe announcers show say "Rajon Rondo and the Celtics." Paul Pierce guided the Celtics in 2008 for their first championship, now it is time for management to surround Rondo with the right players so he can get the franchise another trophy.
