This is a series of posts which highlight each key player in the Celtics’ run towards banner 18.  It will highlight the areas of their game they need to improve most for the Celtics to be able to compete with the talent-blitzed teams of 2012-13.  The area will sometimes be a player’s biggest flaw, or sometimes his biggest strength, but each post will highlight what this Celtics team needs players to change this season for the Celtics to have success.

This post will be short as the topic is simple: This year’s Boston Celtics team being led by Rajon Rondo.

The former big three lost Ray Allen, and both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are likely playing their final contracts as NBA players.  It is time for the future to start, and the future seems to be Rajon Rondo.  Whether people love him or hate him, he is the Celtics most talented player and plays the position that runs the team.

Being a leader is mostly about gaining the respect of your peers.  The University of Kentucky product has now been in the NBA for six full seasons and has increased his play every year.  His connection with Kevin Garnett is stronger than ever and the two share a similar philosophy of the game.   Simply put, it is Rondo’s time, and while the area of improvement for Rondo is to fill that role, it is also a fact the rest of the team needs to accept.

And with that I finish with this optimistic quote from KG and Doc via ESPNboston’s Chris Forsberg:

“Rajon’s amazing, period,” said Garnett. “We talk about big things are coming — big things are here. Rajon’s keeping us alive every night. We just have to make sure we follow his lead and follow his effort.”

During the playoffs Rivers noted, “They understand Rondo is the leader of the team. Everybody else plays with Rondo. Kevin is still a great player. Paul is still our best scorer. They’ve kind of gotten out of each other’s way with roles.”

For the guys in green to succeed, the rest of the Celtics will have follow Garnett’s example and let Rondo lead them to victory.