Not all news was bad on Friday, before the Boston Celtics hosted the Washington Wizards at TD Garden.
Although three players – Robert Williams, Grant Williams and Tristan Thompson – are excluded due to the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols, the Celtics offered encouraging news about Kemba Walker.
Walker was released to start practicing with the team. The All-Star guard has yet to play this season while recovering from a left knee procedure.
Brad Stevens, Celtics coach told reporters before Friday night’s game where Walker went painless for a few months.
“I don’t think he’s too far,” said Stevens. “He looks great, feels great – probably the best he’s felt since he came here.”
It is unclear when exactly Walker will return to the action of the game – the team statement said new updates “will be provided as appropriate” – but Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe said the Celtics are eyeing next Friday’s clash against Orlando Magic.
Walker is in his second season with Boston after spending his first eight seasons with Charlotte Hornets. The 30-year-old had an average of 20.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 56 regular season matches during the 2019-20 campaign.
Miniature photo via Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports Images