Updated 07:02 PM EST, Sun, Dec 22, 2024

Rajon Rondo Stats, Trade Rumors & News: Star Plays Starter in Celtics vs Nets Game

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Fans missed Rajon Rondo on the basketball court and on his comeback game, he's given them a treat.

The basketball world rejoiced when the Boston Celtics' management announced that Rondo would be back and would in fact be starting against the Brooklyn Nets in a home game at TD Garden Wednesday, NESN.com reported.

Rondo did claim the point guard spot after missing the preseason due to a broken hand, and ESPN Go said he retuned with a bang, producing 13 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in 30 minutes, no small feat in their 121-105 victory.

An Associated Press report on Yahoo Sports said the hand injury was expected to take him out for six to eight weeks, but he went on the floor less than five weeks after.

"He looks like himself," coach Brad Stevens said, per ESPN Go. He had also missed the All-Star point guard because he underwent a reconstructive knee surgery that took him out on the past season's first half and missed the preseason after he broke his hand in the shower slip.

Happily, the coach reported that Rondo now "looks like what I saw on film before I got here," per the report. "... [H]e is back to full speed. And it's really good to see."

Rondo said, however, that there was much more to unlock even though he shot 6-for-9, hurdling his career 47.5 shooting percentage.

He told ESPN Go: "I wasn't as explosive as I was in the past... At certain points, I felt like I was skipping a beat."

Rondo had just decided to play an hour before the game, per ESPN Go. He wore a black brace on his left hand.

"When I woke up, I was like, 'OK, I'm playing,'" he told Boston Globe. If he hadn't played, NESN.com said rookie Marcus Smart would have gotten the post.

Rondo gave the captain's welcome and took the floor for the opening tipoff, AP reported. On his team's first possession, he dribbled with both hands, like the injury did not happen. However, his pass went through Avery Bradley.

Boston did not have much trouble stacking up a 29-point lead going into the fourth quarter, ESPN Go reported. Kelly Olynk had 19 points and Jeff Gordon, 17.

Rondo's performance might not have surprised general managers, appearing in an NBA survey as the second best passer of the league, tied with LeBron James and Ricky Rubio of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He also had votes for being fastest with the ball and being a good head coach.

However, because of his good record, too, Rant Sports believes he should be traded. It said the Celtics are headed for a rebuilding phase and Rondo should be let go to train and receive younger players, especially with his contract about to expire.

Many teams would be interested, the report said, but the first question to ask is: "Are the Celtics not interested in him anymore?"

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