Field Level Media
01 Dec 2020, 21:10 GMT+10
Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker received a stem cell injection in his left knee and won't return until the first week of January at the earliest.
The Celtics said Tuesday that Walker received the injection after visits with multiple specialists in early October. He was put on a 12-week strengthening program.
The team said Walker is expected to resume on-court activities in early December. In early January, the team plans to update his availability for games.
Walker, 30, is entering the second year of a four-year deal with the Celtics. He averaged 19.6 points in the playoffs, and team president Danny Ainge said it was clear Walker was not himself due to the knee injury.
While Walker wouldn't point the finger at his three-time surgically repaired left knee, Ainge and head coach Brad Stevens said it was hampering him throughout the 2 1/2 months the team spent at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando after the season restarted this summer.
"I could see, even when he was (in Boston) before the bubble started, which is why he was shut down a little bit and doing strength training and trying to prepare himself for the playoff run and the intensity of the playoff run, but he was definitely not himself," Ainge said during a season wrap-up conference call.
"In fairness to Kemba, he doesn't want to say that. He doesn't say that to our coaches. He doesn't say that to you, the media. He doesn't say that to me. I haven't heard one excuse from him. But watching the games, even the games we won, even the games where he played well, I could tell he wasn't the same physically as he was in October, November, December. So we're going to try to get that Kemba back."
Walker averaged 20.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds last season. The four-time All-Star played the previous eight seasons for the Charlotte franchise.
Walker first mentioned knee soreness to the Celtics before the All-Star Game in February. At that point, he had the knee drained of fluid and received an injection of Synvisc.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Herald Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Herald Globe.
More InformationCONCORD, New Hampshire: A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a crucial ruling on July 10 against President Donald Trump's executive...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: A cargo ship flagged under Liberia, known as the Eternity C, sank in the Red Sea following an attack executed by Yemen's...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has started sending some weapons to Ukraine again, just a week after the Pentagon told officials...
ECAULT BEACH, France: On clear days, the white cliffs of the United Kingdom, are visible from northern France, where men, women, and...
ATLANTA, Georgia: The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,288 confirmed cases so...
In the past month alone, 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza—three more than the number of remaining living hostages held...
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 13 (ANI): NY 49 RR of Romeo Force of the Indian Army organised the Cricket Premier League...
(Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The potential tying run had just reached base Saturday when Milwaukee Brewers third baseman...
(Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images) Left-hander Sean Manaea finally appears set to make his season debut for the New York Mets....
(Photo credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images) It was fitting that the Astros had to dig deep into their reconfigured bench in the latter...
(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images) After hitting their season's low point a week ago, the Cleveland Guardians have reversed...
(Photo credit: David Richard-Imagn Images) In a span of 10 pitches Saturday, the Cincinnati Reds ensured they wouldn't be swept for...