Celtics' Rondo showing drive

LAS VEGAS -- With Greg Oden waiting in the lane, Rajon Rondo dribbled just inside the 3-point line, looked to his right, then his left, and decided it would be best to drive to the basket during the second half of the Celtics' Summer League opener against the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night. But Rondo never made it to the rim. Along the way, he was fouled by Oden.

Much to the relief of executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers, Rondo appeared barely shaken and went to the line for a pair of free throws. Ainge and Rivers like Rondo's aggressiveness, as well as his growing confidence. But they also know a lot could be riding on the second-year point guard next season.

For better or worse, the Celtics' entire point guard rotation is here. Rondo and rookie Gabe Pruitt are on the Summer League roster, while Sebastian Telfair has been a regular practice participant.

While Ainge has made no secret he will explore the point guard market, he is more likely to find a veteran backup to Rondo than a veteran starter. That means it will be an interesting season for the Celtics' floor generals, who will have to grow up fast for the team to make the playoffs.

No question Rondo remains the key player in the mix, though he will not lay any claim to the starting position and neither Ainge nor Rivers will give it to him this early. The 21-year-old Rondo knows he will play an important role next season and, as a result, has dedicated himself to becoming a better leader and shooter.

"It's going to be similar to last year," said Rondo. "We're all going to have to go out there and compete for a spot and keep pushing each other in practice. It's all about wins and trying to get to the playoffs this year.

"I want to be more of a leader. We're obviously trying to win every Summer League game we can and it starts with the point guard. And I'm just working on my shot, stepping up and shooting with confidence. That's always what I want to work on with my game individually."

Rondo went 1 for 4 from the floor against Portland, with his lone basket a 3-pointer. He finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 turnover in 29 minutes in the Celtics' 74-66 victory. But perhaps most importantly, he looked comfortable running the team, at times instructing teammates on positioning, offensively and defensively.

"Rajon is having a great camp," said Ainge. "He is a classic example of a player who has a great deal of potential. He's getting better at everything. He has to continue to improve at every element of the game and get more consistent."

Pruitt, meanwhile, wants to focus on bringing defensive intensity to the team. Pruitt was a strong defender at Southern Cal, finishing his three years ranked sixth in career steals with 158. Pruitt finished his professional debut with 7 points (3 for 6), 5 fouls, 2 turnovers, and 1 steal in 18 minutes.

"I think [defense] could be one of my trademarks [in the NBA]," said Pruitt. "[Ainge and Rivers] know I'm a scorer and I'm athletic. They just want to see me really defend. I feel that's pretty fair. [I have to] come in and really show I can be that great defender. That's the main focus in Summer League, as well as coming into training camp."

As often happens to Leon Powe, his willingness to play hard and do the dirty work is overshadowed by flashier players with bigger names. So, let's give credit where credit is due. Powe played a big role in keeping Oden (6 points, 2 rebounds, 10 fouls) from establishing any rhythm Friday night.

"I look forward to these challenges," said Powe, who finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. "I don't back down. You've got to keep [Oden] out of the paint. If you let him get too deep, I don't care who's guarding him, he's going to score or get fouled. So, you just try to keep him out of the paint, push him out before he catches it. You need to do your work early, and I had a lot of help from my teammates. I'm just trying to go out there and play hard, play good defense."

Ainge said there are ongoing contract discussions with Pruitt and fellow second-round pick Glen Davis but he doesn't expect the rookies to sign deals until after Summer League . . . The Celtics practiced for about 90 minutes at Del Sol High School yesterday. The workout consisted mainly of scrimmaging. Their next game is tomorrow against the Spurs . . . Forward Brandon Wallace did not practice because of a stomach ailment.

Shira Springer can be reached at springer@globe.com.