The Boston Celtics are unlikely to have point guard Rajan Rondo fit for the start of the new season, according to CSN New England.

The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL last season but he will be vital for the franchise this year after the likes of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

While president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has insisted there is no timetable on his recovery, the latest report suggests that Rondo will miss the preseason schedule as well as the start of the regular campaign.

With Derrick Rose taking a year out after a similar injury, the Celtics are keen to allow Rondo as much time as necessary to recover.