Boston Celtics: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
By Frank Urbina
9. Rajon Rondo (PG) — No. 21 pick in 2006 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Celtics): 505 GP, 11.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.9 STL, 0.1 BLK, 2.8 TOV, 47.5 FG%, 25.2 3P%, 62.1 FT%
Next up on our countdown is the mercurial ex-Celtic known as Rajon Rondo. The former Kentucky Wildcat spent eight-plus seasons in Boston and was the team’s starting point guard during their last title run in 2008.
Rondo’s accolades as a member of the Celtics include four All-Star nods, an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2012 and four separate All-NBA Defensive Team berths. He led the league in assists twice while with Boston and in steals once.
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The 6’1″ floor general was special for his ability to distribute and anticipate on the defensive end. His ridiculous seven-foot wingspan and huge hands made him an absolute pest to go up against, and also helped him keep the ball on a string when ball-handling as lead guard.
Though it’s unlikely Rondo will ever be a Hall of Famer like Ramsey, he still places ahead of him on our list thanks to competing in a tougher era and being a vital member of Boston’s late 2000s resurgence. (Am I admitting to recency bias? Pretty much.)
Plus, his chances of making the Hall someday aren’t that low either. Per Basketball Reference, Rondo’s odds of earning the mighty distinction are presently at 38.8 percent. Who knows? Maybe with a late-career revival his case could get a bit stronger, eventually making all 10 of the guys on our list Hall of Famers.
But to be totally honest, eight out of 10 is ridiculous enough as is.