Rajon Rondo (hand) has been as close to full contact in practice as one can be without being cleared for full contact, according to coach Brad Stevens, Scott Souza of the MetroWest Daily News reports.

Rondo (hand) has been as close to full contact in practice as one can be without being cleared for full contact, according to coach Brad Stevens, Scott Souza of the MetroWest Daily News reports.

Analysis:

This is pretty convoluted, but it's a good sign for Rondo's chance of returning to game action in the near future. The Celtics still haven't ruled him out for the season opener, and because of that, he shouldn't carry much of a discount on draft day.