Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo is OK with playing in the D-League to get back in basketball shape. Although he's expected to return in January, the All-Star admitted there's one more endurance test he must accomplish before he feels ready to play again.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens admitted on Monday the idea of sending Rondo to the D-League for a brief stint had been discussed. Playing games in the D-League would help build Rondo's endurance and provide him more competition than just scrimmaging with teammates.
The four-time All-Star acknowledged to the Boston Globe the D-League was a possibility and something he wasn't opposed to doing.
"That's an idea definitely," Rondo told The Globe on Thursday. "That's more game-like speed with our schedule, the Celtics, we don't (have) a chance to play a lot of pickup, so that might be a possibility. You just never know, I might just pop up and play. You guys won't get the memo. You just have to catch me on YouTube or something.
"Each week I'm getting better so I just want to give it a test when I have a chance."
If Rondo winds up playing a handful of games with the Maine Red Claws, Boston's D-League affiliate, the 27-year-old guard could set a precedent for how injured players transition back into playing in NBA games.
"I'll probably be the first (NBA player) to (use it as rehab) but it doesn't make a difference," he said. "I want to make sure I'm healthy and I handle it the right way. I don't want my first time to come back out game-like to be the first time with the Celtics. I haven't had a preseason. I haven't had a training camp. Right now, this is my training camp."
Rondo's expected back in mid-to-late January, although no official timetable has been set. While his return, by all accounts, is nearing, there's one thing Rondo wants to accomplish before he feels ready to return.
"(Play) like a 12-minute quarter, straight," said Rondo when asked whether there is one sign that he's ready to return. "I don't want to go out there and get fatigued and cause another injury. I want to make sure I'm ready to go and I'm in shape."
