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First Derrick Rose then Kobe Bryant and finally Russell Westbrook, it’s been the season of unsuccessful returns but a certain point guard named Rajon Rondo, the only player who hasn’t made his return this season after tearing his ACL in late January of last year, is out to break the trend.
Ever since being declared fit for full court practice in mid-December, Rondo has been increasing his time in the gym working on his rehab. But even 5 on 5 practices with the team are not going to get his body ready for a real NBA game, simply because it isn’t played like one.
So how about the NBA’s D-League?
Well before the idea made its way in my mind, Rondo and Brad Stevens had long before spoken about the idea to the Celtics organization.
On his weekly appearance to the Toucher & Rich show on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub, this is how Celtics president Danny Ainge responded to the idea of Rondo making a D-League stop before he returns for the C’s
“He’s just looking for opportunities. About 10 days ago he was looking for the guys in the office to get their gear on and play 5-on-5. There’s not enough practice time; there have been 5-on-5 practices, but we’re not playing like it’s a game. He’s anxious to practice and to play. It was his idea to go practice with the Red Claws and possibly play with them at some point. But those are still in discussion. I’m not sure when he would do that, but that’s probably the next step.”
To be honest with you guys, it’s a very smart decision. This stint is going to do only good for Rondo and the organization. Most of all as stated above Rondo seems to have no issues with it since he was the one to suggest the stint.
Currently in the later stages of his rehab, he is feeling better each week and although there is no return date announced by any of the concerned people, Rondo has certainly expressed his acceptance with the idea.
“That’s an idea definitely,” he said.
The Boston Celtics are currently in the thick of the Playoff picture with a record of 13-19 and with the Nets’ three future first round draft picks in their pocket, the C’s rebuilding process suddenly seems to be working well. It allows Rondo to take it easy when it comes to deciding when he would make a return. However, he seems quite firm that the team’s record or performance would be no basis.
“I’m pretty motivated regardless of our team’s record,” he said. “I told myself before the season I wasn’t going to base it off our record. It’s based off how I feel. We could be 2-30 right now, if I’m able to come back and play I want to play. I love the game. I’ve been away for a long time, and when I feel ready to play, I’m going to play.”
He would be the first player to use the D-League as a cause for rehab but Rondo believes that’s what it is for. The biggest reason behind the idea of the stint has been the fact that Rondo’s has had no pre-season and no training camp and while making a return taking it cautiously is certainly the name of the game.
“I don’t want to come back and not be fully 100 percent as far as my health and me being in shape as well,” the 4-time All Star said. “Because the worst thing is me coming back and not being in shape and have another injury.”
Maine Red Claws, Boston’s D-League affiliate, are to travel the West Coast for a 5 game road trip before they return back to Portland and no statement has been released yet as to when Rondo join them.
“It’s not really a rehab assignment as much to get your wind,” Stevens said.
At the end of the day there is no way the C’s can for sure prevent Rondo from re-injuring himself but letting him get the wind of a few games before returning to the NBA, would allow him to condition his body and prepare himself mentally for the long awaited NBA game.
Although there are many arguments saying someone like Rondo should not venture into the D-League game and practice only at the NBA level, a game in the Development league would help him shake off a 12-month rust. Who knows he might even average a triple double out there?
It would be important for Rondo to not take the D-League stats too seriously cause it’s going to be a different story in the NBA.
The rebuilding process along with coach Stevens has been a surprising success for the franchise and Rondo’s D-League stint is yet another smart move the organization have made to improve their chances in the future of a building a title contending team around the point guard.
