Rondo A Nap Time Decision For Celtics' Season Opener
BOSTON (CBS) -- Rajon Rondo still isn't sure if he'll suit up for the Celtics when they open their season on Wednesday night.
While his return will likely hinge on how his left hand feels, it will also come down to whether or not he gets a good snooze in before the game.
When asked about his status on Monday, Rondo told reporters there was a 79 percent chance of him playing when the C's kick off their 2014-15 season at the TD Garden against the Brooklyn Nets. When head coach Brad Stevens asked him what he wanted him to tell reporters on Tuesday, that arbitrary number jumped up to 83 percent.
"Four percent better," Stevens told reporters on Tuesday, "whatever that means."
While many will see Rondo as a "game-time decision," the C's point guard said that call will come much earlier than a few minutes before the tip-off.
"When I wake up from my nap I'll let you guys know, around 4:30," Rondo joked with reporters on Tuesday. "If I sleep really well tonight and tomorrow afternoon, I'll let you know how I'm feeling."
It's been just over a month since Rondo underwent surgery on a broken bone in his left hand. He started taking part in contact drills last week, and ultimately, the call will be his come Wednesday night.
"I have the call at the end of the day as far as my comfort level," said Rondo. "I don't want to have any second thoughts when I go out there and play."
"It's more about his comfort level right now," said Stevens, who added that Rondo's conditioning looks good despite the injury. "[The doctors] feel like he has progressed well and healed appropriate."
With the call his, it's unlikely that Rondo won't suit up on Wednesday night. But if there is any discomfort after two days of rigorous practice, Rondo and the Celtics won't take any chances in game one of an 82-game slate.
But Rondo will be out there one way or another. As captain, he'll greet the crowd ahead of Wednesday's opener, as he did last season when he was sidelined during his recovery from ACL surgery.
But Rondo cautioned reporters not to jump to conclusions when they see him out there for the team's warmups.
"I'm going to give it a go in warmups, so don't be surprised when you see me out there," he said. "I have to address the crowd tomorrow night, so I'll be on the court regardless."
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