Fab Melo back at Celtics practice, but not cleared for contact
The good news is that Fab Melo, who was putting up some ridiculous numbers in the D-League for the Maine Red Claws, was back at the Boston Celtics practice today:
Fab Melo is with the Celtics for today's practice in Waltham.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 10, 2013
The bad news is that he still isn't cleared for contact after suffering a concussion from walking into a door at a hotel:
#Celtics rookie Fab Melo not cleared for contact yet, will hang around for practice anyway
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) January 10, 2013
In any case, it would be wise not to rush Melo's return, as much as we'd like to have him back with the Celtics and playing in the NBA. He is doing great developing his skills in the D-League, and it's better that he heals up completely from his concussion. Our bench seems to be doing fine without him, as witnessed by our second unit outscoring our starters last night against the Phoenix Suns.
ESPN Boston suggests that Melo will be returning to the D-League once he heals:
Once healthy, Melo will almost certainly be returned to the D-League in order to resume his development. He had a couple of breakout games before the accident in South Dakota forced him to push the pause button on his time with the Claws.
Get well soon, Fab!