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Celtics not ruling out opening night for Rajon Rondo

David Butler II

When Rajon Rondo said a six-to-eight week recovery timetable meant nothing to him, he wasn't saying so in jest, it turns out.

Less than four weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken left hand, Rondo could begin contact drills as early as next week, head coach Brad Stevens said Monday. The timing would be incredibly tight, but Stevens indicated that opening night remains a possibility for the team's star point guard.

The Celtics open their season on Oct. 29, less than five weeks from the date the team announced Rondo's surgery.

In Rondo's stead, the team has been experimenting with rookie Marcus Smart and veteran wing Evan Turner as potential fill-ins, and both have impressed so far. Turner is averaging 9.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, while Smart is averaging 7.3 points and 4.7 assists and providing strong, aggressive defense. Both options have shot woefully from the floor, though, and Rondo's a clear upgrade if healthy.

Boston doesn't have much reason to rush Rondo back for the start of what should be another lost season, but if he's ready to go, he's ready to go. If Oct. 29 doesn't end up being realistic, the team plays five more games before Nov. 7, the date that marks the early end of Rondo's six-to-eight week timeline.

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