Rondo steals show at Tip-Off Gala

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics' annual Tip-Off Gala -- a formal-wear event that both raises money for the Shamrock Foundation and previews the upcoming season -- has turned into a bit of a fashion show for the team's players.

Chris Forsberg/ESPN Boston

Rajon Rondo (left) and Marcus Thornton (right) highlighted the night for Boston's fashion.

Gone are the days when the team had to remind players not to wear jeans and (opposing team's) hats or jerseys (cough, Rasheed Wallace, cough). The event is now a chance for players to showcase their best duds and that left second-year coach Brad Stevens lamenting that he might be deemed the team's worst-dressed for the evening.

Before the majority of his team's players had arrived Thursday at the Westin Hotel in Boston's seaport district, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was asked who the best dressed player on the team was. He sagely noted, "[Rajon] Rondo’s pretty tough to beat. But there’s some new guys that I haven’t seen."

Newcomer Marcus Thornton made a strong bid and was maybe the early leader in the fashion clubhouse thanks to his derby. But Rondo, the final player to arrive, swiped the award with help from designer wear featuring a black bowtie, blue blazer, and an accent scarf.

"[Fashion has] always been inside of me," said Rondo. "From Day 1, I’ve always been particular about my clothes. I can remember going to middle school, I would iron my clothes the night before, try to put my look together. [My fashion sense] is growing more and more each year, and now being exposed to going to GQ events, going to Fashion Week, and meeting a lot of new designers or top designers, have helped my inspiration grow even more."

Asked who the best dressed player on the team was, Rondo quipped, "Besides myself?" before complimenting teammate Brandon Bass.

When the topic swung to basketball and whether we'd see Rondo in uniform on opening night next week, the point guard said, "Hopefully I’ll be able to play very soon."

Ainge maintained the company line when asked about Rondo's potential to play on opening night saying, "[We're] not sure yet. We’re hopeful, but not sure."

Asked about reintegrating Rondo, Ainge said that wouldn't be an issue.

"I think he’ll fit right in," said Ainge. 'I think Rajon is in a great spot, mentally and physically. I can’t wait to see him play. He has a lot to prove; I see it in him. He’s just really dying to get out there and play. I’m excited for him, [that] he’ll probably be able to come back quicker than he thought originally."

The team initially set a 6-8 week recovery following hand surgery late last month, but Rondo is already engaging in contact activities after less than four weeks removed from surgery. The team has said that, if the bone is healed and he can perform all activities, Rondo could be back on the court for opening night on Wednesday against the Nets.

For more on Rondo's quest to return to action, hop HERE.

Celtics second-year big man Kelly Olynyk was honored with the Community Champion award.

Players, coaches, and team executives were all smiles at the event.

"I think there’s a lot of purposes of tonight, the most important purpose is raising money for the Shamrock Foundation, which does so many great things for so many charities," said Ainge. "But I think it’s also good to have the team all together and in a different setting with some of our sponsors and fans and partners. I think it’s a good night all-around."