Celtics planning to ease Kemba Walker (knee) into 2020-21 season

Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker is expected to be eased into the season as he continues to strengthen his knee.

What It Means:

Walker is reportedly still not 100% recovered from last season's knee injury, and the Celtics are planning to handle his minutes as they did at the beginning of the bubble. Brad Stevens said "The key to this whole thing with him is just strengthening the knee. Just continuing to take this opportunity when we’re not playing, when we’re not practicing to really focus on that. Very similar to what we did at the beginning of the bubble. I think there’ll be a transition like that because of the shortened season, the shortened offseason. It’ll be some time before he’s going full speed for us for sure." Steven's last sentence indicates that Walker will start the season with limited work but could increase his minutes if his knee responds well.

Walker averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game for Boston during the 2019-20 season.

Source: Dave Green