Pictured here Jan. 8, 2021, Boston Celtics players watch from the bench field during the NBA … [+]
PRESS ASSOCIATED
There hasn’t been much good news about the Boston Celtics over the past week, as their last three games have been postponed due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. But Kemba Walker’s upcoming point guard return is still a bright spot, and we received other positive updates on Thursday afternoon.
Walker was fired to work with the team last Friday, but that was quickly eliminated amid hiatus related to COVID-19 at Celtics. Unfortunately for Boston, the lack of practice has prevented Walker’s return to the lineup. For the past six days, Celtics players can only use Auerbach Center on an individual basis for one-on-one work with coaches. Despite the team’s position, Brad Stevens said Walker was able to continue his recovery and strengthening work – something that has gone well for the All-Star guard.
“He was able to continue to rehabilitate in one-on-one situations,” Stevens said after Thursday’s practice. “And his strengthening has gone well. He has put in a ton of work. ”
Walker took part in Thursday’s work, but the Celtics didn’t survive (which will be an important step for Walker before he returns to the lineup). Stevens was encouraged by what he saw from the 30-year-old, adding that the return date decision comes down to the training staff and the willingness of Walker. They have gone through a complete but effective plan, and will continue to do so until it is complete.
“(Walker) went full day today for an hour with us. We didn’t survive, ”said Stevens. “But we did a lot of ups and downs, a lot, just trying to get our feet back in some ways with boys who didn’t do anything for a week, and it looked great. What that means as far as the next steps in playing and when to play and all that – is a decision for Kemba and our coaching staff. I think they put together a hell of a plan, to be honest. I felt like this in the bubble, but the bubble was more limited by time in terms of how fast the playoffs were at hand. But this has been planned out, day to day, well accomplished by our training staff and by Kemba. When he returns, it will be because he is ready and because he feels great and is ready to be Kemba. ”
Boston has been through the recovery process with Walker before, but, as Stevens noted, the process in the bubble was somewhat fat with the postseason approaching. According to Walker, this relocation left him feeling better than he did in Orlando, something that should make Celtics fans breathe a sigh of relief. That being said, he has made it clear that he will not return to the line until he feels 100 percent willing to do so – both mentally and physically.
“I’m definitely going to make the best decision for myself,” Walker said Thursday. “But honestly, I’m feeling good right now. I know I said I felt really good last time before the bubble, which I did, but the time between them wasn’t very beneficial for me. But now, I feel really good. The way I feel right now is different from the way I felt before I went into the bubble. I have just been able to take my time.
“I attacked my resettlement from day one,” he said. “I wanted to be healthy. I want to stay healthy and try my best without any problems. That’s the plan. When I’m feeling good and ready to get out, comfortable, comfortable, I will. “
Walker was expected to return to work at the same time as the COVID-19 problems at Boston, but he was not at all overwhelmed by the turmoil in the schedule. He is obviously well aware of what this season will involve in terms of outside affairs, and there seems to be a reasonable expectation of any concern for Walker.
“You don’t know. You have to change, change, ”he said. “That’s what I’ve been doing. … I need to change. Change my workplaces and just work out ways for me to be on the court going as hard as I can, trying to watch the game. ”
As for Walker’s ideas from the sidelines, he was well received by his players, noting both the remarkable beginnings of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
“I feel good about the team. I like the way we play, especially our two experts, ”said Walker. “It simply came to our notice then. You know, (Marcus) Smart runs the show as best he can. He has played very well. I’ve been impressed with her poise and attitude and her overall approach to the game. And our young lads – Payton (Pritchard), Tremont (Waters), Carsen (Edwards), Grant (Williams) – a lot of the time when their names are called, they’ve just been playing very well. good and playing with a lot of energy. I just hope to come back and just add to that. Help with some leadership and just come back and take that energy. Take that juice – that little extra spark. It will be inspiring. ”
The Celtics need as much depth as possible while continuing to move through this incredible season – something they don’t have at the moment. Walker’s addition to the lineup will help with that, making injury or absence a little easier to deal with. Getting an All-Star point guard back off the shelf by itself isn’t just a bad thing. If Boston can get Romeo Langford back in the next month or so to help deepen his wing, Stevens and Co. should. being in good shape looking towards the second half of the season.
Boston is expected to have eight players available on Friday night against Orlando Magic, meaning the team should return to action for the first time in seven days.