LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 05: Kemba Walker # 8 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball … [+]
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Kemba Walker is close to returning to the Celtics line, according to Boston head coach Brad Stevens. The All-Star point guard has now been removed to work with the team, Boston announced before joining the Washington Wizards.
During his pregame media available Friday afternoon, Stevens took a positive look at Walker’s progress and strengthening program, noting that his next step is to go through live work with his players.
“I think his next step is to get out on the court with the other boys on the team,” Stevens said Friday. “He’s been out there with the teachers. He’s been out there, both in one-on-one work, but also in doing his readings, and four-on-four and five-on-five material. But the next step now is to play some live in practice, some living with our boys. I don’t think it’s too long. It looks very good. It feels great. ”
Each response came from Stevens with added optimism regarding Walker and the way his staff have coped with the left knee injury. It is clear that the Celtics have been “vigilant,” as Stevens put it, with his strengthening program, and are determined to pay for the benefits.
“I’m sure he’ll be back here soon, but we’ll still be going through the next steps of work and practice and those kinds of things,” Stevens said. “We hope to have him back soon, but we are not going to do that. We’ll see how that practice and those other products go. ”
Asked about a possible timeline, Stevens said Walker was not far from returning, adding that he has been pain-free for more than a month now .
“I don’t think it’s too long,” he said. “It looks great. It feels great. Probably the best it ‘s been since he was here. ”
Walker being pain-free for some time is now a good sign for the Celtics, especially as they look at the uncertainty of the NBA season that is under the influence of COVID. Boston is feeling brutal right now, as it will be without Robert Williams for at least next week due to a positive test, which also put Grant Williams and Tristan Thompson in quarantine for at least seven days due to contact information. To say that the Celtics front court is shortened would be an understatement.
Every team in the NBA is going through tough leagues this season with reduced depth records. It is inevitable. So while Walker’s presence in the line-up is important for the Celtics under normal circumstances, that impact will be increased throughout the 2020-21 season.
Just last week, the Boston Tremont Waters had to start against the Toronto Raptors due to injuries to Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague, Javonte Green, Romeo Langford and Walker. This Celtics roster has deep problems at first, so any other injury puts Stevens and the Boston staff in a difficult spot. The faster Walker returns, the faster depths will lower than the Boston average.
Payton Pritchard has been excellent, although Teague has given Boston a few hard minutes through the first few weeks of the season, but it is not big news that the Celtics need all the extra help which they receive. Langford continues to work on strengthening his finger after surgery, but there is no clear timeline for his return. Indiana hardwood produce was removed a month ago.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the Celtics are aiming for the Jan matchup. 15 with the Orlando Magic to return Walker.
If the timeline keeps on track, that would also be Thompson and Williams’ game clearly quarantined and returning to the Celtics line.