Celtics Pick Up Cassell

Sam Cassell will be moving to Boston on Tuesday, to back up second-year point guard Rajon Rondo. What will be the impact on Rondo? Rondo seems to think that Cassell's arrival will help him, despite Cassell potentially taking away some of his playing time. I think Rondo's right.

The Celtics have three of the best players in the league in their line-up. What they've been lacking is an experienced point guard to run their offense, to tie all that talent together. They've relied thus far on Rondo, a 22-year-old who only started 25 of his 78 games last season. Now, not only will they have an experienced PG on the floor for 20+ minutes per game, they will also have a great mentor, who has championship experience, for Rondo to learn from.

Rondo's key Auto rookie cards have been either steady or increasing this season, as a result of his expanded role on a winning team. His 06-07 SPx Auto/Jsy #'d 1199 has been selling for around $28-30 TAC, while his SPA Auto #'d 999 can be found in the $18-22 range. His best buy for under $20 is his Sweet Shot Auto #'d 799, which averaged $15.53 in February. Expect to dish out between $250-300 for his Exquisite Collection Auto/Patch #'d 225.

If you're interested in getting a less-lazy Auto than his "RR" shown above, pick up his Hoops Hot Prospects Auto/Patch RC #'d 250 or his Sweet Shot Auto RC #'d 799. The Auto's on these two base rookie cards show a little more effort.

Rondo has potential to be a big hobby hit in years to come, and could be the sleeper point guard prospect for the Eastern Conference.