The Boston Celtics are aware that Rajon Rondo makes or breaks their season. The point guard is the cornerstone player they have attempted to build around and without him on the court, the team plan stalls. Not having Rondo during the preseason has certainly made head coach Brad Stevens' job a bit harder as he attempts to get a rookie up to speed, but the point guard could be back sooner rather than later to kickoff the Celtics' season.
Rondo has been busy holding a clipboard since breaking his hand in a home fall prior to training camp. The Celtics were ready to rule him out for several months while the injury healed, but Stevens told the media that there is a real chance the point guard could ready to play come the season opener. Rondo's recent reevaluation showed positive progress, giving Boston a lot of hope that he will be on the court Oct. 29 when the Celtics open against the Brooklyn Nets. Rondo was not ready to confirm nor deny when his return will happen.
"I don't know. I still haven't had any contact yet," Rondo said, via ESPN.com. "The opener is a little bit over a week away. I don't want to set goals; I just want to go as my hand heals. It doesn't bother me at all when I dribble the ball, catch the ball. But it's night and day from trying to brace myself hitting the floor or going into the lane and somebody smacks my hand."
While healing from the fractured hand, Rondo is still participating in conditioning exercises. The point guard has been running non-contact drills while studying the playbook. This injury is much different from the torn ACL the point guard suffered which kept him off the court for the better part of two years. He is still able to remain very active with the team which should help his transition back as a starter.
In his place, the Celtics have been utilizing newly drafted Marcus Smart at the point guard position. Stevens has been very complimentary of the rookie throughout the preseason, but having Rondo on the court is certainly more of an upgrade. The Celtics lineup is not totally set as the team continues to be linked to trades involving both Brandon Bass and Jeff Green. Neither are likely to happen at this point in the year. Rondo is happy with the current roster, noting the Celtics are becoming a more defense-first team.
"I think our defense is pretty good," Rondo said. "We're a good defensive team. And obviously this year we're shooting the 3 at a high level."
