Star turn for Rondo tonight?

Going into last night, Rondo was fifth among Eastern point guards in scoring (14.2), first in field goal percentage (53.4), first in assists (9.7), first in steals (2.54), and first in double-doubles (19).

His production is unquestioned, as is Rondo’s confidence. But being the fourth option on a team with three presumed Hall of Famers has left the former Kentucky guard somewhat of a mystery. He is cooperative with the media but hardly talkative. He is reserved to the point where Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge suggested he become more of a leader before signing him to a five-year, $55 million extension.

But Rondo is marketable. He is a smooth, well-spoken player who has picked up Ray Allen’s dapper dressing style. Given that NBA commissioner David Stern just suspended two players for the remainder of the season for bringing guns on NBA premises, the league may be seeking new representatives. Rondo could be a prime candidate.

The biggest obstacle faced by Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, in selling his client is Rondo’s reluctance to pursue marketing opportunities. Rondo has endorsement deals with Red Bull and Dunkin’ Donuts but has resisted delving into other deals.

Rondo may have brought himself to an All-Star level as a player, and that may allow him more chances to build his public image.

“He’s not interested in that, though,’’ Duffy said. “He is basketball first. And a lot of stuff we present to him, he’s not interested in.

“He’s very, very selective about what he does and what he wants to involve himself with, but that’s completely secondary to him.’’

Duffy’s job, if Rondo is cooperative, is to turn the 23-year-old budding star into a household name. Rondo gained acclaim with his playoff performance last season and has continued his sparkling play into this season, sometimes carrying the battered Celtics as they have compiled the second-best record in the conference.

Rivers, who will coach the Eastern team if the Celtics can hold off Atlanta and Orlando for the best record by Sunday, has said Rondo deserves All-Star accolades but is not ready to anoint him one of the elite.