Expectations were low in Boston after losing Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. All this is without mentioning the injury to Rajon Rondo. So you can see why people didn’t expect much from this team.
Despite low expectations, Boston currently sits atop the Atlantic division with a (11-14) record and their franchise player is close to returning.
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo received clearance to resume full-contact practice activities on Friday and coach Brad Stevens said he believes Rondo should return to game action next month.
Rondo traveled Friday with team physician Dr. Brian McKeon to meet with operating surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who examined Rondo’s progress and cleared him to return to practice activities. The Celtics threw Rondo into the fire on Saturday, engaging in a spirited 45-minute session despite coming off game action on Friday night.
“[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. “Hopefully as we get into January, he’ll be closer.”
It’s in the Celtics best interest long-term to tank this season to gather a top pick in the upcoming draft, but it looks like they could be in the playoff mix. Well, everybody is in the playoff mix in the eastern conference.