Rondo cleared for full practice, won't play until January

Rajon Rondo, the big missing piece for a Celtics team that has already surpassed expectations without him, has finally been given full clearance for contact.

As a result the point guard, wearing a brace on his surgically-repaired right knee, ran hard during today's short 45-minute session.

The practice came a day after Rondo met with surgeon Dr. James Andrews at his home office in Birmingham, Ala. Rondo flew back to Boston on time for the Celtics' Friday night win over New York.

According to Celtics coach Brad Stevens, Rondo's first game won't come until January.