Rondo has been sidelined since last season with ACL injury.
Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo has received clearance to begin full contact practice, but will probably return in January according to coach Brad Stevens.
The 27-year-old travelled with team physician Dr. Brian McKeon on Friday to meet with operating surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who examined his progress and cleared him to return to full contact practice activities.
However, despite a 45-minute session with his team-mates on Saturday and promising assessments from coaches and team-mates alike, Rondo isn’t expected to return to competitive action until next month.
“[Rondo] had a good trip [Friday], as far as getting good news, and it looks like he’s on schedule to be closer, but still probably doesn’t look like we’re going to see him on the court any time this month,” said Stevens, according to ESPN.
“Hopefully as we get into January, he’ll be closer.”
Rondo underwent ACL surgery in mid-February and has been gradually working his way back into action although with only limited-contact drills until the latest update.
Coach Stevens has insisted that he hasn’t fully considered how he will reintegrate his star point guard into the team, and also remained cautious on a possible timeline for his return.
With Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce departing for the Brooklyn Nets, this Celtics team was billed to be Rondo’s after his return from injury, but the team have been performing admirably without him.
They currently top the Atlantic Division with an 11-14 record, which has taken them to fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Given the weak look to the East this season following various injuries and form issues with some of the highly tipped teams, the Celtics will be hopeful that Rondo’s return will help spark them to further improve.
COMMENTS