Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Rajon Rondo donned a uniform, ran out with his teammates, and participated in the layup line before Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, which the Celtics won, 88-83.
No, the All-Star guard wasn’t making his season debut after being sidelined while recovering from knee surgery. But Rondo was active, as coach Brad Stevens said he wanted to get Rondo “into that rhythm of pregame activity.”
Rondo also practiced with the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics’ Development League affiliate, Wednesday in Waltham, and Stevens said the workout, which was considered Rondo’s final physical hurdle before returning to action, “accomplished what we wanted to accomplish.”
With that said, it appears Rondo is on track to play Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden, which would be his first NBA game since Jan. 25, 2013, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Atlanta.
As expected, Rondo, a four-time All-Star who has twice led the league in assists per game, will start at point guard when he returns, though Stevens said there would be yet-to-be-determined restrictions on how much he’ll play.
“Listen, if Rondo comes back Friday — and I still haven’t been told yes or no — but if he comes back Friday, he’s only going to play 18 to 20 minutes,” Stevens said after the game. “And he’s coming back from playing for the first time in a year. For any of us to expect him to be in playoff form is not fair to him. That being said, I think his energy and his leadership will lift our team. But I don’t think we should put too much on his shoulders anyways, whether we won the last game or lost the last game.”
Everything is set for Friday night. Rajon Rondo is ready. The Celtics lined up a cupcake opponent (LA has lost 10 of 11). And most importantly, John, KWAPT, Jay and myself will be in the building.
I assume Rondo will play about half the 1st quarter before he needs a break. We’ll see him for another 3-4 minute stretch in the 2nd quarter and then a repeat performance in the 2nd half.
What can we expect? How about 8 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds.
Rondo was assigned to the D-League for about two hours yesterday afternoon. Did he take a chopper up to Portland? Hell no. The team came to him. Love it.
Related: ESPN Boston – Cs snap skid, excited to add Rondo | CSNNE – Rondo to be limited in return | Babb on Rondo: He looked good
On Page 2, the Celtics may be adding another body
RGV Vipers forward Chris Johnson has traveled to Boston to be part of workout w/ Celtics, source tells Yahoo. Good chance at a 10-day deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) January 16, 2014
Johnson is a 6-6 forward who played 8 games for Memphis last season. Consider him insurance in an emergency.
The roster sits at 13, but because Keith Bogans pouted his way out of Boston, Brad Stevens only has 12 bodies.
Here’s a fun fact: Trader Danny has amassed 17 draft picks over the next 5 years.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Sully joins 20/20 club | Rapid reaction: Celtics 88 Raptors 83 | After latest swap, Stevens loves team vision | Herald – Sullinger, Cs see light | Latest deal boosts renters market | Crawford off to Golden shores | CSNNE – Pressey’s 1st start: 10 assists, 0 TOs | Globe – Bradley continues fine recent play |
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