Just two days after Kevin Garnett predicted his ascent to the elite level of NBA point guards, the Boston Celtics showed their faith in Rajon Rondo as well. On Tuesday, the team exercised their contract option on the 21-year-old point guard and inked him for the 2008-2009 season.

The Celtics' commitment to Rondo has never been a secret. On Draft Night 2006, the Cs traded with the Phoenix Suns to swipe Rondo with the 21st overall pick; and on Draft Night 2007, Danny Ainge declared Rondo would not be traded this summer. Not only did Ainge make good on his word, he gave the starting point guard job to the 21-year-old, who started in just 25 games during his rookie year.

Even though the regular season hasn't started yet, Rondo is already impressing his teammates. He averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 steals during preseason play.

"I've said that if Rondo's not the best point guard in three, four years, I'd be very, very surprised," Garnett said. "He has all the tools in which to lead a team. His defense is like any other guard I've seen in this league. He has the quickness of a Tony Parker, he has the IQ and passing skills of a Jason Kidd."

Garnett continued, "Now he has to establish that 15-foot jumper and make his stake and be consistent. But I'm very, very, very impressed with Rondo."

Coach Doc Rivers has been happy with the improvement he has seen in Rondo, even if he isn't as quick to praise him as Garnett.

"He's been good. He's done well. He's still young and I'm not expecting him to be Jason Kidd tomorrow, but he improves everyday," Rivers said. "He works on his game, he has a great work ethic, and he's better than he was at this time last year, which is good. So everyday is going to be an improvement for him and he's doing a pretty good job."

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.