Rajon Rondo's nap goes well, will play in season opener on Wednesday

It's amazing what a good nap can do for a person.

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo termed himself a nap-time decision for Wednesday's season opener against the Brooklyn Nets. On Wednesday, head coach Brad Stevens revealed that Rondo will play, will start and will have no minutes restrictions.

"He's been able to do contact since last Thursday," Stevens said. "He's as up to speed as he can be. He's anxious to play."

Rondo's speedy return from a broken hand that was surgically repaired on Sept. 26 is nothing short of remarkable. The original timetable had Rondo coming back in six-to-eight weeks, and playing Wednesday means he'll have come back in just 33 days.

Hey, he told everyone that the timetable given meant nothing to him. He'll play with padding on his left (non-shooting) hand, but otherwise he seems good to go. It's unbelievable.

Even a Rondo at less than 100 percent is a huge addition for the Celtics. In 30 games last season as he worked his way back from a torn ACL, Rondo averaged 11.7 points and 9.8 assists, though the team curiously performed better without him.

Rondo starting shifts rookie Marcus Smart back into a reserve role and means Evan Turner will largely return to playing on the wing. Both of those adjustments are probably for the best, even if both players did show flashes at the point during the preseason.