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Ainge On Rondo Possibly Playing With Red Claws: 'He's Anxious To Practice And Play'

BOSTON (CBS) - It was reported a few days ago that Rajon Rondo may join the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League in hopes of getting some extra practice time and possibly even some game reps before returning to the Celtics.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich for his weekly call on Thursday, and said the idea of the rehab assignment in Maine was all Rondo.

"He's just looking for opportunities. About 10 days ago he was looking for the guys in the office to get their gear on and play 5-on-5. There's not enough practice time; there have been 5-on-5 practice but we're not playing like it's a game," said Ainge. "He's anxious to practice and to play. It was his idea to go practice with the Red Claws and possibly play with them at some point. But those are still in discussion. I'm not sure when he would do that, but that's probably the next step."

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Rondo was cleared to return to practice in late December, but with a busy schedule and a trip out West looming for Boston, there are few opportunities for the team to actually take the court for a full practice.

Ainge said there is still no target date for Rondo's return from the ACL injury that ended his 2012-13 season last January.

"We'd like to get him a couple of real tests and a real good practice," said Ainge. "Rajon is very sensitive to not being a detriment to his team, and coming back and playing without really playing. I think he wants to get some of the rust off and not hurt his team when he gets back."

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