Celtics Title Town

Rondo was giving  exceptional motivation, and he may have saved Dionte's career. The five minutes that he spoke with Christmas, and the teaching, and guidance, may have been exactly what Dionte needed. Some think he'll make the Celtics roster. And Rondo's voice may have sunk in enough.

Rondo has an exceptional ability  that is  so rare in star players. He doesn't mind helping some young guys who may not even be on the team, but he shares his time, and expertise.

We know that KG changed the culture in 2008, but Rondo is taking that to a new level. It started in a sense with Bradley in his rookie season. When you watched the Association during the 2010-11 season. Bradley, and Rondo had moments on the small tube, that seemed like bonding moments.You can get the feel now, that both guys will have a defensive back court for the ages.

You don't hear, or see many star players go out to summer league, checking out the young guys, and giving great advice. What's great about this team, is the hands on mentality. Doc Rivers took the same approach this season. He phoned Terry, and met up with Lee this off season. The Celtics got their two guys, and you can thank Doc for that.

The chemistry, and the enjoyment of teaching runs through this Celtics team. KG loves teaching bigs, and he did a fine job with Ryan Hollins last season, during his quick stint in Boston. Bass had also picked up a lot from KG. Kevin will have some fine students this season. It  would be great to see Sullinger,and Melo contribute this season. Teaching is here in Boston. I hope the young ones take advantage of the talent that's teaching them.

Rondo encourages C's in Vegas-ESPN Boston

"It was good for Rondo to come in and support the young guys," summer league coach Tyronn Lue said. "Guys have been playing hard, playing great. For him to come around and encourage guys, speaking up, having time in timeouts and stuff like that is good encouragement for them."

Dionte Christmas appeared to benefit from Rondo's presence more than any other player. Rondo pulled Christmas aside multiple times during Saturday's game, and Christmas came through with one of his best all-around efforts, totaling 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists -- his highest total of the summer.

"In about five minutes I learned so much from him, just by talking to him and him seeing things I didn't see on the floor," Christmas explained afterward. "Me, I never really play the point guard, but he was just telling me some things that I can see coming off, and I think it helped. I had six assists today, and he was just telling me some things to do at the [point guard spot], and it really helped. I can only imagine what a whole season would do playing under Rondo, so that would be great."