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 is targeting the Boston Celtics‘ Jan. 17 home game against the Los Angeles Lakers for his possible season debut, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Rondo, who had season-ending surgery to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament nearly a year ago, didn’t specify a date for his return, but said his knee – and confidence – are strong. His only concern is regaining his conditioning.
Rajon Rondo’s Target Date For Return-Marc Spears
There was some speculation that Rondo could do the uber dramatic and makes his return on Sunday, 1/26. As all Celtics fans know, that is the day that Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett make their return to Boston. I personally just can’t see Rajon stealing two of his close friends’ thunder like that. Granted, I believe Rondo will be active for that match up also, but the 1/17 game vs the Lakers at TD Garden makes much more sense as far as a return date. Rondo told reporters yesterday that his conditioning and not being in “shape” yet are the main things holding him back:
“I feel like I’m ready now, but I’m not in shape,” he said. “I can go out there and I can give the team 10 minutes. I want to be productive out there. I don’t want to limp or drag behind because of my cardio. That would be hurting the team.
I can certainly understand Rajon not wanting to go out and embarrass himself. It’s pretty clear that he is a perfectionist and does not want to play until he’s 100% ready-or whatever 100% ready equals in his mind. But at some point he’ll just have to make a decision to give it a go. We’ll have to be patient as fans as obviously he is not going to be “Mr. Triple Double” right away. It’s going to take time for him to get his legs & wind back. There’s nothing I want more than for him to be able to give it his all without having to worry about reinjury or a set back. But the thought of him suiting up on a Friday night against our arch rival does have me drooling. One of our readers pointed out that Rajon has since denied this report, but Marc Spears is generally a very reliable source. My guess is perhaps some sort of miscommunication. Oh well.. Get your tickets while you can CelticsNation. Rondo or no Rondo, C’s-Lakers is one you don’t want to miss.
Related links: CSNNE: Stevens: Rondo Jan.17 Return News To Me
Page 2 Old Friends Truth & Ticket Help Beat the Heat
Could the Brooklyn Nets finally be out of their funk? Well they’re definitely headed in the right direction, that’s for sure. Behind Paul Pierce’s 23 points, Joe Johnson’s 32, some great defense by KG and an all-around fantastic performance by Shaun Livingston, the Nets beat Miami 104-95 in 2OT for their 5th straight win. Pierce’s trey from the top of the key with just under 3:00 left helped seal the deal last night. Paul had one of his best games of the season, his 23 points just 4 shy of his season high. KG was clearly motivated to face old foes in Lebron James & old friends in Ray Allen. Garnett had 12 points, 10 rebounds & 3 assists. Brooklyn is now 15-21 and starting to resemble a team that folks thought would be a definite contender in the Eastern conference. Pierce, Garnett and the rest of the Nets come to Boston two weeks from tomorrow.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Everything But The Win
Herald: Unlucky 7| Rondo Can’t Watch| Hard Lessons For Sully To Learn
CSNNE: Jeff Green It Still Hurts To Lose
Bleacher Report: Jeff Green Inspires Child Who Needs Transplant
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