Danny Ainge Says Rajon Rondo Not Close to Returning


Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge threw cold water on speculation that point guard Rajon Rondo was nearing a return to action. Ainge says Rondo isn’t close to being game-ready. Per the Boston Globe: “I don’t think he’s close,’ Ainge said. ‘I don’t think it’s gonna happen in the next few weeks. We’re not on pins and needles about it. We’re being very cautious with Rondo. He’s still got a little bit of a limp. He needs to get his strength back.’ Ainge said Wednesday that Rondo will meet with Dr. James Andrews, who performed Rondo’s knee surgery, within 10 to 14 days. The Celtics guard has not been cleared for 5-on-5 basketball. ‘He’s just not himself yet, but he’s getting there and he’s pushing himself to get there,’ Ainge said. ‘Listen, we’re going to be very cautious with him and make sure he’s right before he comes back. There’s just a little bit of a limp still, and he’s got to get that strength in his knee back to 100 percent before we’ll let him back out on the court.’ […] The Celtics boss also said he was more concerned with development of the team’s younger players than with wins and losses or the early season standings, mentioning Jared Sullinger, Avery Bradley, and Jordan Crawford as players he was particularly interested in monitoring.”