http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/ce..._cleared_t.html</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> From Marc Spears</p> The Celtics are cautiously optimistic that guard Tony Allen will be ready once training camp begins.</p> Allen missed the final 48 games of last season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said today that Allen was recently cleared to play, was working out on the floor today at the team's facilities in Waltham and is expected to be ready for the upcoming training camp. The 6-foot-4, 213-pounder averaged 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.48 steals in 33 games last season.</p> "(Allen's) been cleared to play and do everything on the court," said Ainge, in a phone interview. "We've been totally conservative. It takes time to get the confidence back. You worry about significant injuries, but I'm optimistic for Tony."</p> </div></p> This is great news. I think the article sums it up perfectly, though, by saying that we should be "cautiously optimistic." I am very happy that he has progressed steadily thus far, and I would love to see him on opening night, but I really hope both he and the team doesn't rush it. Make sure he can physically handle it, make sure he's in game shape, and don't let him force a return. I didn't mention anything about making sure he's mentally strong again, because the only way for that to happen is to put him in game situations.</p> Side note: Marc Spears has done an outstanding job thus far as the Celtics' new BEAT guy. He's a big upgrade over Shira Springer.</p> </p>
It would be remarkable if he could return and completely regain his athleticism, but I still have my doubts.
