Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens said sending Rajon Rondo to the D-League first before returning has "been discussed." A report from CSN, however, says it's unlikely because Rondo is expected to begin traveling next week with the team.
Rondo, who in December was medically cleared to participate in full-contact activities, is expected to return toward the end of January. With fatigue and rust a concern for the All-Star, the Celtics haven't ruled out sending Rondo to the D-League to get in basketball shape for games.
"Coach Brad Stevens said Rajon Rondo heading to NBADL for game action 'is a possibility for sure,' and has 'been discussued,'" Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe tweeted on Monday.
NBA star players who're returning from injury don't often first go to the D-League, and a report from CSN New England indicates it's unlikely Rondo will play in Maine before seeing game action.
"Rajon Rondo expected to travel with team on road trip next week, which would then rule out a stint with the Maine (Redclaws)," CSN's A. Sherrod Blakely tweeted on Wednesday.
Rondo has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last January. Although he's regularly mentioned in trade rumors, Rondo is expected to be an integral part of the Celtics' rebuild. Celtics president Danny Ainge has also gone on the record as saying he has no intentions of dealing the 27-year-old guard.
He's been scrimmaging with the team at practice and by all accounts looks good. He spoke with Jay King of MLive.com on Dec. 22 and confirmed he plans to return by the end of January.
"Rondo: 'I have confidence in my knee.' Then said it might be mid-to-late January, maybe later," tweeted King.
Boston hosts the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
