Celtics ace still recovering from torn ACL.
Boston Celtics point guard Rajan Rondo has insisted that he will not be rushed into a comeback as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL.
With speculation suggesting that the Celtics star could return in time for the start of the 2013-14 campaign, he has tempered expectations as he looks to make a full recovery.
While he is now participating in basketball-related activities, he has yet to be cleared for contact as the Celtics are set to reconvene for training camp on Tuesday.
Similarly to Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, who suffered a more serious tear of his ACL, Rondo has admitted that he has to feel fully confident before he can return to the court.
“When I’m mentally ready, I’ll play,” Rondo said according to ESPN.
“Until you go through this type of injury — a lot of people gave Derrick Rose a lot of heat about not playing, or whatever the case may be — this injury isn’t easy. It’s more mental when you come back, and you get around 10-11 months, it’s just feeling confident. You want to feel confident, especially the type of players and competitors we are.
“Our legs are pretty much everything, we use our speed; [Rose is] very athletic, I’m athletic. And you need that mental aspect to go up and jump and come down without thinking about your leg again. Because the last jump, for myself and him, we’ve come down and torn our ACL. Just being mentally ready — when I get there, I’ll play,” he added.
President of basketball operations Danny Ainge echoed Rondo’s comments and reiterated that no-one will be rushing the star back into action until he feels ready to compete.
All parties have been keen to not place a timeline on his rehab schedule, but the 27-year-old did hint that he could be back in Autumn time.
Meanwhile, Rondo also spoke about his relationship with new coach Brad Stevens, and despite the departure of Doc Rivers this past summer he has insisted he fully supports his new coach and is looking forward to working with him on the court.
COMMENTS