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Here's the Twitter update from today's practice:
Brad Stevens says Rajon Rondo is progressing well and could begin contact drills as early as next week.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 20, 2014
#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
Sully on adjustment level when Rondo returns: "I don't think it's an adjustment, because with Evan and Marcus, they're pass-first PGs (too)"
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) 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
#Celtics captain Rajon Rondo said he's taken a couple bumps on his hand, but it's a far cry from having it nailed during a game.
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) October 20, 2014
Please nobody take a swing at Rondo's hand just to see if he's ready for it, OK? Rondo had surgery on his hand on September 27th and October 29th's game against Brooklyn would mark four and a half weeks of recovery. That's ahead of the 6-8 week rehab schedule that was initially stated, but this is Rajon Rondo. The team has looked good in preseason play and I'm sure he's raring to rejoin his teammates. By all accounts--most recently, this weekend--he's itching to get back on the court, lead his team this season, and be part of the future despite his impending free agency this summer. He's bought into Brad Stevens' system and more importantly, as a coach. Stevens also talked about the depth of the roster and how it's a big advantage. Adding Rondo to the mix moves Evan Turner to the bench, but adds a playmaker to that second unit. The team has fared well in Rondo's absence due to Turner and Marcus Smart's pass-first mentality and that'll give the team a chance to ease him back into action, but it'll be great to see the master point guard finally on the floor.
In other injury news, it looks like James Young could be back for Wednesday's preseason finale against the Nets:
James Young will practice "normal" today and tomorrow, will play Wednesday if he avoids setbacks.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 20, 2014