Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo Out With Broken Hand
The 2014-15 season hasn’t started yet, but Rajon Rondo‘s trade value may have already taken a slight hit.
As first reported by Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe, Rondo is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks after undergoing successful surgery on his left hand. Rondo reportedly suffered the broken hand as a result of a fall in his home.
Rajon Rondo told Celtics he broke his hand slipping in the shower, source told ESPN. Broke one bone in back of his hand. Out 6-8 weeks.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) September 26, 2014
Entering the final year of his contract with the Boston Celtics, Rondo is expected to be on and off the trade block leading up to the NBA’s February trade deadline. Coming off a season in which he only played 30 games recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in 2013, Rondo needs to stay healthy not only for Danny Ainge‘s potential interest in dealing him, but also so that Rondo can secure a bigger contract when he becomes a free agent next summer.
Last season, Rondo showed flashes of his old self, averaging 11.7 points, 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game. He looked hobbled at times but the Celtics were confident he’d be fully healthy coming into the 2014-15 season.
Unfortunately, Rondo’s broken hand will put a hold on those hopes. With this six-to-eight weeks diagnosis, Rondo will miss training camp and Boston’s preseason games. If there are no setbacks, Rondo should be back near the start of the regular season, however.
I know it's a random thing for God to care about, but God most definitely hates the Rondo-Bradley backcourt. Never healthy simultaneously
— Michael Dyer (@Mike_Dyer13) September 26, 2014
After drafting point guard Marcus Smart and re-signing Avery Bradley this summer, there’s a chance Rondo is not in Boston’s long-term plans as they’re currently in the middle of a full-scale rebuild. At age 28, Rondo’s physical prime may already be past him, and if the Celtics do intend to move him before February, they’ll need him to stay healthy and prove he’s worth committing to. Otherwise, Boston risks either overpaying to keep him around or losing him for nothing as a free agent next summer.
Then again, Rondo and the Celtics have both publicly said they’d like to keep the All-Star and former NBA champion in Boston once he’s due for a new contract.
The reason behind Rondo’s hand surgery is a little tame compared to what we’re used to seeing with professional athletes, but the good news is the surgery was completely successful. However, if Rondo misses too much time in the regular season, it will give Smart the opportunity to show he’s capable to stepping in as Rondo’s replacement should the Celtics opt to deal him.