Boston Celtics give injury update on Rajon Rondo

During a Thursday morning interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he does not think All-Star pint guard Rajon Rondo will return to the team by the end of November, and the team really doesn’t know when he’ll be able to hit the court again:

"“He’s making great progress. I don’t have a return date for him but I really like what I see in his attitude and his effort. He’s putting in the time to get better and he’s making steady progress,” said Ainge. “I’m not sure, I don’t see anything happening by the end of this month. I’m just not sure.”"

A December return could happen if he is able to re-gain the amount of strength in his leg needed to perform while minizmizing the risk of re-injuring the ACL he tore last year:

"“I think that when we get into the middle of December it could be a week-by-week situation for him,” said Ainge. “He’s getting closer but he still hasn’t gained 100 percent of his strength back in that leg. We certainly don’t want to take any risks.”"

Rondo has been cleared for 1-on-1 action, but still awaits word for when he can participate in full-court play.

"“I trust Rajon and I trust that he wants to play,” Ainge said in a previous interview. “Ultimately, he’s going to be the one determining that, not doctors and everybody else. He’s a smart kid and if he’s not feeling comfortable, mentally or physically, I trust that he’ll make the right decision.”"

Jordan Crawford has filled in for Rondo as Boston’s starting point guard over the last five games, averaging 13.4 points and 5.8 assists per contest as the Celtics have gone 4-1 over that stretch.