According to published reports, including one on ESPN.com, Bill Duffy, agent for Rondo, and Celtics general manager Danny Ainge were to meet yesterday to work on a contract extension.

“It’s not the end of the world [if an agreement is not met now], and it’s not my last year,’’ said Rondo before the Celtics’ 97-87 win over the Hornets.

“It’s not like I don’t have a team to go to next year. I think some team out there wants me, so it’s not like - hopefully - I won’t have a job next year. I’ll be playing somewhere. I’ll be playing basketball hopefully for a long time, if I stay healthy.’’

Through Sunday, the only players from the 2006 draft class to sign extensions were Toronto’s Andrea Bargnani (that year’s top pick), Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, and Oklahoma City’s Thabo Sefolosha.

Rondo, the floor general of the 2008 champs, said he hoped to be among them at the day’s end, but also said should he become a restricted free agent at season’s end, there still would be a chance to work out a deal.

“People are acting like it’s the end of the world,’’ Rondo said. “It’s just one year. If we can’t come to an agreement this year, hopefully it will be next summer.’’

Hornets coach Byron Scott said Rondo appears to be playing with more confidence.

“Because of the playoffs series that he had last year and the way he’s started off this season, I think most people in this league have to consider him one of the top five or six point guards in this league,’’ said Scott.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed. “I think so, I’ve said that. I don’t have time, nor do I care [about ranking point guards],’’ he said. “I know he’s the best point guard for us. That’s all that matters to me. He’s been terrific for us.’’

Giddens, taken with the team’s first-round pick in 2008 (30th overall), signed a standard two-year contract, with options for the third and fourth seasons. But he has played in just eight NBA games. So far this season, Giddens has played 12 minutes in two games.

When the question arose about who would be on the floor when it counts, Perkins said, “Doc just goes on feel. We’ve got a talented team. I would love to be in there. ’Sheed would love to be in there. But that’s a part of being a good teammate is cheering for the next person. Whatever Doc rolls with, that’s what we roll with. That when ubuntu comes into play.’’

Perkins added, “I don’t really care, I just want to play. I really just want to go out there and contribute and win the game. I don’t care. And ’Sheed don’t really care himself. And that’s the good thing about our team. It’s guys that are unselfish and don’t really care as long as we win the game.’’

“I don’t mind, if they’re good shots,’’ Rivers said. “I’m never going to argue with a wide-open three from Paul [ Pierce], Ray [ Allen], or Eddie [ House], or Rasheed. If they’re open, they should shoot them.’’

Julian Benbow can be reached at jbenbow@globe.com.