Mar 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Chuck Hayes (44) in the second half at TD Garden. Toronto defeated Boston 99-90.
Mar 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Chuck Hayes (44) in the second half at TD Garden. Toronto defeated Boston 99-90. REUTERS

This will be an interesting year for Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics. Rondo is bound to be a free agent the summer of 2015 and the Celtics are weighing their options as they tether between rebuilding and putting out a competitive product on the court. Whether the boys in green can now compete with the big boys after a year of losing depends on the last face of the Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce era - Rajon Rondo.

As the mercurial point guard prepares for the opening tip of the Celtics, the recently injured guard was coy on the chances that he will suit up for the first game of the season. He suggested that the chance that he will be in the starting lineup may be in 79 percent. He also added that he does not like the term, game time decision, added to his name but rather a better one: nap time decision.

"When I wake up from my nap, I'll let [reporters] know. Around 4:30," Rondo told ESPN. "If I sleep really, really well tonight, and [Wednesday] afternoon with my nap, I'll let you know how I'm feeling."

Celtics coach Brad Stevens was more optimistic of his all-star guard's chances upping the probability of him playing from 79 to 83 percent. Stevens was cautionary about fielding in his ward given that Rondo has one more test to undergo with the precious hand. Trainers were also on hand to say that the nifty playmaker has progressed from his rehab and ready to go. This still all depends on Rondo and how he feels his fractured hand will respond. Stevens appears ready to put him into action and is just awaiting the green light from the medical staff.

The Celtics are set top clash against the Brooklyn Nets in their home opener Wednesday. Brooklyn is also looking to build upon the return to health of its core of Deron Williams and Brook Lopez who had recurring issues with their lower extremities, particularly their foot and ankles. The Celtics are relatively healthy except for Rondo and is looking forward to the debut of prized pit bull defender Marcus Smart. The guys in green are also anticipating the return of Avery Bradley, the backcourt's most reliable shooter who missed most of least season with a shoulder ailment.