Celtics' Rajon Rondo (hand) cleared for full contact in practice

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was cleared for a full-contact practice on Friday, according to a report from Masslive.com

Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was cleared for a full-contact practice on Friday, Boston head coach Brad Stevens said, according to Masslive.com.

Rondo had not gone through a full-contact practice since undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his left hand.

The Celtics open the regular season Oct. 29 against the Nets.

“[Rondo will] go through the whole practice today and it will just be a matter of how big that pad is [on his hand],” Stevens said, according to Masslive.com. “I think that’s the biggest thing moving forward. It’s really about getting hit or not. So obviously, see how he feels after this. We’ve got Saturday and Sunday off. Monday or Tuesday, we should know more.”

• 70 reasons to watch the NBA this year

Rondo suffered the injury when he fell at his home earlier this month, according to a news release issued by the Celtics.

Rondo has played only 68 games over the past two seasons due to a torn ACL suffered in January 2013. He has been rumored as a potential trade chip but has denied asking the team to be traded.

The 28-year-old has averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 assists over eight seasons with the Celtics. Last season he posted averages of 11.7 points and 9.8 assists.

If Rondo cannot play on opening night, first-round pick Marcus Smart is expected to start at point guard.

- Chris Johnson