Rondo wasn't cleared to play 3-on-3, but he played anyway



Rondo was slated for a December return before the season started. It sounds like that's still the goal, nobody has said anything different from the original comments made during training camp. But it seems like Rondo is itching to get back, and all I have to say is come back when ready. I can't buy into tanking this season. Because I believe there are other ways. Plus I believe in Rondo.

CSNNE
According to Celtics GM Danny Ainge speaking with the Boston Herald, Rondo took part in some 3-on-3 scrimmages a few weeks ago apparently against the direction of his doctors. But, he can play 1-on-1, and has been.

“He played 3-on-3 three weeks ago when he wasn’t supposed to,” said Ainge. “But I asked (the training staff) if it was OK for him to be playing one-on-one, and the answer was yes. Of course playing one-on-one is one thing. It doesn’t mean he’s ready to play to the NBA standard.”

Messing around with teammates in a 3-on-3 or 1-on-1 is nothing close to the actual physicality of an NBA game. The Celtics will not rush Rondo back, and honestly it's somewhat surprising to hear that he's being a bit risky in terms of his recovery by playing in those 3-on-3 games, although we don't know how serious they were.

I know some of you will call Rondo immature for this, but I just see a guy itching to get back. It's been obvious all season. He's been right there in the thick of things with Brad Stevens on the bench. I'm sure it wasn't an intense game of 3-on-3. Danny doesn't seem to worried about it, so it sounds like nothing, but just a minor hiccup.


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Photo from (Doug Tribou/WBUR)