With his boot-encased left foot resting on a table as he enjoyed a conversation with teammate Justin Reed, Al Jefferson didn't look like a man in a hurry yesterday.

For now, Doc Rivers is happy to keep his young forward in that frame of mind as he recovers from an ankle sprain.

Though the Celtics coach said yesterday that Jefferson could be ready for action by Wednesday, he's not going to risk his health with a hasty move.

``It looks like he'll be ready, and the swelling in the ankle is gone, but why rush it?'' Rivers said. ``I want to be pretty cautious about this. I'd rather sit him out for the next five days. (Trainer) Eddie (Lacerte) thinks it would be better for him that way.''