Rajon Rondo Worthy of Starting All-Star Game Over Derrick Rose

Let’s face it — usually, watching the voting returns come in for NBA All-Stars isn’t too exciting. The suspense isn’t there, as the same 10 guys are at the top of the heap every winter, and it’s generally a foregone conclusion that certain guys will start and certain other guys won’t. Typically, there’s one close race out of the 10.

But this year, that race might feature a Celtic.

Rajon Rondo is on pace to start the All-Star Game for the first time, with 497,141 votes to his name as of Thursday afternoon when the first returns came out. But nipping at his heels, and likely to gain ground over the next two weeks while Rondo is injured, is Bulls star Derrick Rose. The rival point guard checked in with 424,356 votes Thursday, not far off Rondo’s pace.

Dwyane Wade will start for the East at shooting guard — that’s for sure — but who starts next to him is a close race, and one that might go down to the wire.

Rondo’s got the early lead, and if there’s justice in the basketball world, he’ll hold on. Not only is Rondo qualified to start, but he’s the best guard in the Eastern Conference right now, period.

We’ve all seen what Wade can do. He’s a six-time All-Star already, he’s a Finals MVP and he’s even got a scoring title to his name (from 2009, when he edged LeBron James).

Likewise, Rose is a big name and is only getting bigger with time. He’s in the midst of a breakout season this year, emerging as one of the league’s leading scorers.

But Rondo is unique among all guards out East — his abilities transcend the gaudy numbers and the individual honors. Rondo makes teams better.

Rondo’s incredible vision and instincts have been the driving force behind the Celtics’ offense this season, a unit that’s been more efficient than ever under his guidance. The Celtics, as a team, are shooting 51.1 percent this season. You haven’t seen a team stat like that since John Stockton‘s Jazz.

Rondo has worked wonders for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Imagine what he could do for LeBron, D-Wade and Dwight Howard.

Rondo won’t gain any supporters over the next two weeks, of course. As he takes this time to rest his sprained ankle and work toward getting healthy again, Rose will only gain on him.

But what good is two more weeks? Hasn’t Rondo proven himself already?

The answer’s clear: yes. Rajon Rondo is the best guard in the East and ultimately, the vote totals should reflect that.

What do you think? Is Rajon Rondo an All-Star starter? Share your thoughts below.