Happy Birthday, Rajon!

At the beginning of the season, it was unclear whether the Boston Celtics would sign Rajon Rondo to a long-term deal or let him test the waters of restricted free agency.

Now, after a contract extension and All-Star berth, it’s evident that Rajon Rondo is the cornerstone of the Celtics’ future.  He’s also arguably their most important player of the present.

Today, Rondo turns 24 years old, and the future for the player who once backed up Sebastian Telfair could not look brighter.

He is prepared to lead the Celtics into tomorrow, and has the moxie, determination, and skill to do so.  Not only does the point guard carry the responsibility of carrying the torch for the next generation of Celtics on his thin yet incredibly broad shoulders, but his progression to someone who can perform in crunch-time every night will be one of the biggest determinants as to how far the Celtics advance in this year’s playoffs.

No pressure, Rajon.

And happy birthday.