Rajon Rondo News: Boston Celtics G Likely To Play In Opener
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo made it through shootaround and will likely play in the Celtics opener
After being called a nap-time decision for the Boston Celtics opener against the Brooklyn Nets, Rajon Rondo has now been reported to be likely to play tonight after getting through shootaround without any setbacks, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
Rajon Rondo made it through #celtics shootaround with no glitches, making it likely he plays tonight vs #nets. #celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 29, 2014
Rondo had missed the entire preseason with a broken hand that he suffered just before training camp. The 28-year-old veteran will start his ninth season — all with the Boston Celtics — and will provide a leadership and calming influence on the young backcourt of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart.
Although he’s suffered through a lot of injuries in recent years (playing just 68 games in two seasons due to a torn ACL), Rondo was expecting to enter this season completely healthy. If he can get back to being the defensive pest and offensive creator he was just two seasons ago, he’ll change the fortunes of the Celtics.
In 2012-13 (his fourth all-star season in a row), Rondo was averaging 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 11.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 37.4 minutes. He was also shooting 48.4 percent from the field and was well on his way to having one of his finest seasons since as a professional.
While he doesn’t have a ton of talent surrounding him and he hasn’t had the opportunity to get comfortable in coach Brad Stevens’ offense, you can be sure the Celtics will feature Rondo as much as possible. It’s a win-win for them, as he’s their best player and gives them the best chance to win. On the flip side, if they decide to go through with trading the soon-to-be free agent, they can drive his value up.