Celtics guard Rajon Rondo appears to be headed for an All-Star berth and may have his contract extension to thank.

Rondo signed a $55 million contract extension last month, which he says has helped him concentrate.

"I'm sleeping better, I will say that," he said. "I wasn't stressed at the time the deal was trying to get done. I was fine with playing it out. I'm very comfortable with how I play. It wasn't an issue. It definitely takes a lot off your shoulders. I'm happy being here. I love being a Celtic."

Paul Pierce believes that Rondo should be representing Boston in Dallas this coming February.

"He means so much to this ball club for what he brings," Pierce said. "In my eyes, being one of the better teams, I think our starting five should be in the All-Star Game, truthfully. But he has emerged as the best or one of the best point guards in the East."

Rondo stands eighth in the voting among guards in the Eastern Conference, but as of now he appears to have a strong chance to make the team as a reserve.