Keep moving forward

Tuesday officially began the first day of the rest of their lives.

The Celtics practiced on Tuesday afternoon for the first time without Rajon Rondo. They will return to game action tomorrow night when they host the Sacramento Kings at the TD Garden.

While he acknowledged the team is still grasping the fact that Rondo will no longer be guiding them on the floor this season, Kevin Garnett knows that the Celtics need to dust themselves off and realize that there are still 38 games to be played. "I think everybody's trying to put their arms around the concept that [Rondo's] actually hurt -- hurt to the point where he can't play. And I think that's what's got everybody kind of like bewildered or in a fog, if you will. Even him. But I think we have to [come together as a team]. I think we have to. To pick up the responsibility of one man, yeah, I think we have to."

Rajon Rondo was present at the the Celtics training facility, but did not speak to reporters.

Paul Pierce and coach Doc Rivers agreed that one player cannot replace the All-Star point guard. Instead, it's going to be a collective effort. "It's just basketball. There's no point guard," said Rivers. "It's just basketball by committee."

As far as how different this team will look, expect Rivers to do nearly all of the play-calling. The offense will primarily be run in the halfcourt, and the Celtics will run only when the opportunity presents itself. Their defense up front will improve, and their ball movement will improve. The ball has to move. If the ball doesn't move, then the Celtics are in trouble.

Rivers said that Courtney Lee would start alongside Avery Bradley in the backcourt for the time being, and Jared Sullinger will also remain in the starting lineup.

As far as potential additions, you can cross out Allen Iverson's name from the list. Iverson tweeted this morning that he will not accept an offer from the Dallas Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Plus, Iverson's personality and style of play would not be a good fit in Boston.

However, Rivers did say today that Keyon Dooling coming back is a possibility, and he has told Dooling to start getting in shape. On Sunday, Dooling told ESPNBoston.com that he's in"good human shape," but that it would take him "three weeks" to get into basketball shape. When asked if he'd consider a comeback, Dooling responded, "I would do anything for Doc and Danny." However, Danny Ainge ruled out any talk of a return for Dooling after Sunday's game.