By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com Celtics Insider
Follow @sherrodbcsn
ROXBURYRajon Rondo has always been considered a student of the game.
With the NBA lockout showing no signs of ending anytime soon, Rondo is giving serious thought to just being a student.
Rondo, who left the University of Kentucky after his sophomore season, said hes considering a return to his alma mater to finish up work towards an undergraduate degree.
I got 60 hours right now, Rondo said. I got 40 left.
Rondo was at Malcolm X Park on Tuesday (Glen Davis made an unexpected visit as well) as part of the Bostons Got Wings program, sponsored by Red Bull, in which five parks had courts that were refurbished.
The parks received 500 for every steal Rondo had during the 2010-2011 season. He finished with 153 steals, which netted the parks 76,500.
It definitely means a lot, a kid like myself, growing up in the inner cities, Rondo said. Having a place to play is very big. Anything for kids, Im all with, and for.
Boston Celtics
Surrounding Rondo at Malcolm X Park were kids -- donning different color t-shirts, shorts and shoes -- taking shots at various courts.
Seeing Rondo on a court surrounded by shot-takers is a sight we may not see anytime soon.
The NBA owners and players remain in a labor stalemate since the owners locked out the players on July 1 when a new collective bargaining agreement could not be reached. Both sides have had a handful of meetings since then, but no meaningful progress has been made towards a new CBA.
And while players have been reluctant to address it, there is a growing concern that this season may be lost completely.
I dont know whats going to happen, Rondo said. I obviously cant speak too much on it. Its quiet right now. So I dont know.
What he does know is the left elbow injury he suffered in the second round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat is continuing to progress well.
I had a check-up today (Tuesday), Rondo said. Its getting there. Its still a little swollen, but other than that, no problem. Ill continue to work on it.
Rondo added that hes able to fully extend the arm now, so right now Im fine. He added, I can play a little bit. Not too much contact. I did three push-ups today. Im starting back to working out.
It remains to be seen if the work Rondo, or any of his Celtics teammates, put in this summer will be in vain if there is no season to be played. If thats indeed the case, or the season is significantly delayed, that would make it more likely that Rondo returns to the University of Kentucky and finish up his schooling.
He's wise enough to know that hes not going to be able to play forever.
Both he and Celtics coach Doc Rivers have joked about Rondo being a head coach one day. Rondo would most likely coach at the college level, which wont happen if he doesnt have his college degree.
Im close, Rondo said.
If only the same could be said about the labor situation between the owners and the players union.
Im ready to get back, lock in and focus, Rondo said.
A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn