Rajon Rondo May Return For Celtics Regular Season Opener

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gave an encouraging health update on injured point guard Rajon Rondo Monday afternoon while speaking to reporters.

Stevens did not make any promises regarding Rondo’s return timetable, but wouldn’t rule out the possibility his star guard could return ahead of schedule, potentially in time for the Celtics regular season opener on October 29th against the Brooklyn Nets.

Rondo had a scan on his hand, opening night return still a possibility, per Stevens.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 20, 2014

Brad Stevens says Rajon Rondo is progressing well and could begin contact drills as early as next week.

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 20, 2014

Rondo suffered a broken bone in his left hand back on September 25th when he slipped in his shower at home. The 28-year-old underwent surgery the next day and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks of game action in order to let the hand fully heal. If Rondo is able to suit up on opening night, it would be a recovery process of just under five weeks since the three-time All-Star underwent surgery.

Rondo is well aware of how speedy that timetable would be, and acknowledged to reporters today that he’s not going to push the process too much in the coming days, as he waits to be cleared for full contact on the court.

#Celtics captain Rajon Rondo: don’t want to put timetable on return, won’t be sure about opening night until cleared for contact.

— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) October 20, 2014

Rajon Rondo on potential to play on opening night: ‘I don’t know… I don’t want to set goals; I just want to go as my hand heals.”

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) October 20, 2014

If Rondo is unable to go for the opener, look for Evan Turner to get the start at point guard in his place.