While he wasn't projected to be running until July, he started running on the treadmill (with mechanical assistance) a few weeks into May and should be running it on his own in the coming weeks. And while his body's response has been a huge factor in his success to this point, Allen's positive attitude and commitment to the program is not lost on the Celtics' staff.
"Tony's got a great attitude, he comes in ready to work, and he knows it's a big year for him," Doo said. "He's got to prove to everybody that he can come back, and he's got to prove it to himself that he can come back. Watching these guys playing while he's not playing, that's a big motivation for him."

All Allen has to do is look out the window onto the practice court, where Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins are working on post-up drills with Assistant Coach Dave Wohl.

"I get jealous, because if I wasn't hurt I'd be attacking [basketball] the way they are," Allen said. "Unfortunately, I'm attacking an injury and trying to over come that. I know as soon as I get back it's going to be twice as hard in the gym as I normally go to prepare for the season."

Allen is expected to be ready to go in time for training camp in October. For the rest of the summer, the climb continues.