Delfino feeling better, working his way back

Carlos Delfino especially loves playing competitive basketball but when he'll do that again remains a mystery.

While returning to the court was a major step in the right direction, Delfino isn't prepared to say when he'll don a Bucks' uni again.

Delfino wore a heart monitor during his workouts Sunday and Monday. He acknowledged that he had experienced headaches in the past when his heartbeat was above 110.

Delfino acknowledged his heart raced substantially higher at times when he did anything remotely strenuous since his suffering his concussion.

"It was high; I don't want to tell you how high,'' Delfino said.

Asked if his heartbeat had gotten over 150, Delfino said yes.

Delfino said his heart rate is more stable, even significantly better than it was just a couple of a weeks ago.

What's more, the almost-depressed demeanor he had been exhibiting since his concussion has disappeared. During a 15-minute interview Monday, he was much more vocal and upbeat.

Delfino, who suffered a concussion Oct. 29 in the Bucks' second regular-season game against Minnesota and then took an inadvertent hit to the head in a game against Indiana Nov. 5, said he intends to be on the Cousins Center floor again Tuesday while his teammates are in Florida preparing to play the Miami Heat that night.

Delfino said he plans to keep working out and, barring any setback, will meet with neuropsychologist Michael McCrea in the next two weeks.

If McCrea is convinced Delfino is fit to play, Delfino will then resume working out with his teammates. Delfino admits it'll take some time to get his body and mind ready for action.

But Delfino, who had spent some days in total darkness because of his concussion, now sees light at the end of the tunnel.

"Like I said, this feels great," said Delfino, who has played seven games this season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. "I never felt this was career-threatening because my doctors told me it wasn't.

"But I have to admit I was pretty nervous about this when I wasn't getting any better. I'm getting better now; I want to get out there and play.

"But we need to be careful about this, too."