Rondo’s triple-double against the Mavs on Thursday night was more than just an impressive performance. It was a historical mark on this young man’s already impressive resumé. Rondo’s stats included 19 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists. While most people call this a triple-double, it is also referred to as a triple-teen, which means that he had at least thirteen points , assists and rebounds. This was the second time this season that Rondo has accomplished this impressive feat.

Maybe you’re thinking, so what? There are plenty of guys who have had triple-double or even triple-teen games. What makes Rondo so special? Well, in Celtics history, there have only been 2 other players to accomplish this feat; Larry Bird and Bill Russel. Joining the ranks of these two legendary players is certainly note worthy. The most important thing to keep in mind with this stat is the fact that Rondo, who will be turning 23 on February 22nd, seems to get better and better each game. With still so much more to learn and years of experience and wisdom to soak in, the boundaries for this kid’s potential seem limitless.

Rondo, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and even on the Celtics. Everyone always places emphasis on the Big 3 and it seems like Rondo’s contribution to the team, at times, goes unnoticed. At least with the mainstream media. When asked to comment on Rondo’s contribution, Doc Rivers had a very surprising and interesting thing to say. To paraphrase, Doc basically said that Rondo was the most important player on the team. The Celtics have a strong bench and it seems like anytime one of the Big 3 goes down, the others pick up the slack and get the job done. However; Rondo is always in the picture and is often the guy who opens up the floor and gets the ball to the right place at the right time. If he were to get injured and miss a significant amount of time, it would be very unlikely that the Celtics would have as much success as they’ve seen this season. He’s the unsung hero who comes out every night and makes plays that either inspires his teammates to play harder or allows them to make plays that either increase their stats or gets them on SportsCenters top 10 plays. How often have we seen Rondo throw up a perfect alley-oop to Garnett who dunks it in the middle of a group of defenders who are left looking up, wondering how the hell Rondo just made that pass.

I don’t like to hype players early on in their career. There are always factors that can make or break an athlete’s career just when he seems to be reaching his prime. It’s hard not to imagine though, just how good Rondo is going to be in a few years. When he gets into his mid-20’s and develops the confidence and leadership that guys like Pierce, Garnett and Ray Allen possess, I guarantee that he will be on every All-Star ballot. That’s the greatest part about nights like Thursday night, with Rondo joining the likes of Bird and Russel; we know that he’s just getting started and there is much more to come. Who knows, maybe by the end of his career (one which I hope is to be a long and illustrious career) future Celtics players will be working hard and trying desperately to be referred to as the next Rajon Rondo. One can only wait and hope.