Rajon Rondo injury: Danny Ainge doesn't expect Celtics guard to return in 'next few weeks'

Rajon Rondo is scheduled to meet with knee specialist Dr. James Andrews in the near future to assess his recovery from a torn ACL, but Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge doesn't think that will lead to the point guard being cleared to return.

Ainge told 98.5 The Sports Hub that Rondo is a ways from returning to the court, even though he's been participating on a limited basis in practice.

"I don't think he's close," Ainge said. "I don't think it's gonna happen in the next few weeks. We're not on pins and needles about it. We're being very cautious with Rondo. He's still got a little bit of a limp. He needs to get his strength back."

Rondo has yet to be cleared for full-court, full-contact practice.

Boston's All-Star guard tore his ACL in late January and hasn't set a timetable for his return. The Celtics, who are off to an 8-12 start, have little reason to rush Rondo back in a year of rebuilding. The Eastern Conference picture, as it stands, has the Celtics in fourth place and leading the Atlantic Division.

That solid standing despite a poor record doesn't seem likely to dramatically change in the coming weeks.

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