Shaq rejoins Cavs after thumb surgery

Injured Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal has rejoined the Cavaliers.

O'Neal, who has been out since tearing a ligament in his thumb on Feb. 25 and undergoing surgery, has been resting at home in Florida since the operation. He was back at the team's facility on Monday, but did not speak to reporters after the Cavs practiced and left for a game in Detroit.

General manager Danny Ferry said O'Neal met with doctors and will be starting rehabilitation. He will not be traveling with the team.

The Cavaliers, who traded for O'Neal last summer, are counting on having him back for the playoffs.