The Celtics are looking forward to the return of Kevin Garnett, and he is progressing in his recovery from knee surgery, according to president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
“Kevin looks good, he’s in here working out every day,’’ Ainge said yesterday from the team’s practice facility in Waltham. “He’s doing his training, but he’s not playing full-court basketball yet.
“We’re taking it as slow and as cautious as we can with him. He’s anxious and he has a ton of energy, but I think he gets it. We don’t have bodyguards on him to keep him from working too hard. He’s on the program with the staff.
“We don’t have timetables on this. We are going week to week and we’ll make a decision on where he is.’’
Guard Rajon Rondo, especially, is anticipating Garnett’s return. Garnett played 57 games last season, sitting out the playoffs, then undergoing knee surgery.
“That was four assists a game,’’ Rondo joked of his alley-oop connection with Garnett. “With Kevin, it’s about timing, and it won’t take long for him to get that. It’s all about the read, as well. He does a great job at setting his man up, and if the guy bites, he makes the cut, and I just try to get the ball there.
“I’m sure he can still jump. I’m sure he doesn’t lose his explosiveness. With an injury, he could, but he works really hard and I’m sure he’ll be back to normal.’’
Rondo said the Celtics “made a commitment to come in a little bit early, and pretty much everyone is doing it, so far.’’
Asked if he was optimistic about an upcoming contract negotiation, Rondo replied, “Not really. I’m just playing it out, trying to get better every day.’’
A league source said the Celtics plan to hold talks with Rondo before the start of training camp later this month. Rondo has one year remaining on his contract.
“I’m excited, definitely, to be playing with Rasheed [Wallace], an excellent ‘big’ who plays defense,’’ said Rondo during an appearance in Mattapan for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
“And Marquis [Daniels], as well. I don’t know about Lester [Hudson], but he’s showing he can really play. I like his game and he’s playing well in pickup games.’’
Asked what he is attempting to improve, Rondo said, “Everything - I’m trying to work on my outside shot, my ball handling. The biggest thing for me probably is on defense, the pick-and-roll defense, getting better at that.
“I’ll probably be more vocal this year. I’m more confident, obviously. I stepped up a little and I want to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I just want to get the season started. What I did last year is behind me. This is a whole new season. Everyone starts over, the record is 0-0. I’m ready to start.’’
Frank Dell’Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 
