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Rajon Rondo is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews in early December to get clearance to return to full practices, according to a report.

(AP photo)

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo has made enough progress in recovery from ACL surgery that MarShon Brooks calls his teammate "almost there." But Rondo will still need clearance before he can start competing in full practices.

According to the Boston Herald's Mark Murphy, it could come between Dec. 7-10. The four-time All-Star is reportedly scheduled to meet with knee surgeon Dr. James Andrews that week in Pensacola, Fla.

President of basketball operations Danny Ainge has said Rondo's return could be "a week, two weeks" after he begins taking part in full practices, so, assuming he receives clearance, we could be looking at his return in mid-to-late December. It could make a nice stocking stuffer for rookie head coach Brad Stevens.

“I know he’s playing a little bit of one-on-one before games and those types of things,” Stevens said after Tuesday's practice, “but I’m not out there so I really haven’t seen a whole lot that would say he would be close to ready, whatever the case may be. I have not gotten word that we have a timeline that is any time in the very near future.”

Brooks, Rondo's one-on-one competition before Saturday's game in Charlotte, said he believes his teammate is getting close.

“It was good. He’s very quick, he’s always been quick,” said Brooks. “I think he’s almost there. A lot of the things with an ACL – from what I’ve heard, I’ve never suffered one – is just your psyche. You just have to make sure you’re ready, have confidence in making those moves. But I’m not playing, he’s not playing, we’re working to get each other back.”

Added Brooks, “He looks quick. I think he’s improved his jump shot. He’s been doing a lot of shooting – with me, after me, shooting after practice. He’s a hard worker. I think he’ll come back strong.”