“I think we can be pretty tough, for sure,” Walker said. “Since (Jayson Tatum)’s been killing it the way he’s been, I haven’t really been able to help out like I really wanted to, so yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to coming back and making an impact on my teammates and just being readier than I was before the season ended.”
Four months after the season was suspended, Celtics guard Kemba Walker is still dealing with a left knee issue that hampered him right up until play stopped. The veteran guard admitted that frustration with the injury is mounting, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps writes.
“It’s definitely pretty frustrating, just because I’m not a guy who misses many games, especially throughout the course of my career,” Walker said. “I’m not really concerned much, honestly, because I’m trending upwards and I’m getting better and I’m getting closer to a return. So, yeah, I’m fine. And I’ll be back better than ever, I think.”
As we relayed last week, Boston head coach Brad Stevens said the team would take it slowly with Walker as teams resumed practice at the NBA campus in Orlando. Despite being limited by the injury, the 30-year-old feels he can help Boston capture a championship once play resumes and knee troubles are behind him.
Walker has averaged 21.2 PPG, 4.9 APG and 3.4 RPG for Boston in 50 games this season.
Check out more Celtics notes below:
- Tatum was in the midst of his best season to date before the league shuttered play and the Boston guard is not short on confidence, NBC Sports Boston’s Justin Leger writes. “I know what I’m capable of, what I think I’m capable of, what I’m striving for,” Tatum said. “That’s the edge that I have for myself. I step on the floor, I think I’m the best player every night.” In 59 games this season, Tatum averaged 23.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 2.9 APG for the Celtics.
- While Grant Williams made a solid impression in Boston during his rookie season, spotty outside shooting was the one detrimental aspect to his game. However, as practices have resumed, Williams has impressed with his apparent improved stroke from beyond the arc, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston writes.
- For all the latest Celtics updates, be sure to follow our C’s team page.
It should be interesting who wins the battle of the 3 and D guys, Semi and G Williams. Sounds like Grant is finding his 3 point stroke in practice, but it’s another thing translating that to real games. Semi is still improving each season, but if you compare him to Grant in his rookie season, Williams has it all over him. If G Williams continues his improvement, he should be able to make Semi expendable for next season. I don’t think the Celtics will pick up Semi’s team option in that case.
Next season tax line 132.6 MM
Estimate Salary dump amount
Celtics 10 million
76ers 25 million
Rockets 7 million
Knicks want to help them
Smart
Richardson
Covington
Covington is not leaving the Rockets. They had to trade away both Capela and a first round pick to get him and he has one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA. There is zero chance RoCo plays for anyone but Houston next season, or any time over the next few years.
Teams can stay over the tax line it just means a higher tax bill. Most competing teams for the past 10 years + are over the line or close to it.
Celtics definitely won’t be looking to shred cap space and if they did they would re work Hayward deal for less and make it longer or just flip him for someone else.
The rockets again they won’t be looking to shred players they are in win now mode.
The Sixers I wouldn’t be surprised if we tried to lower our tax bill but we will definitely be over the cap and trying to win
I don’t agree
There is not enough revenues to cover the luxury tax
You mentioned Houston, Philly, and Boston but how are the Warriors going to get under the tax line? They’re already at $149M next season so they would have to forget using their $17M trade exception. Then they would be forced to dump Draymond after giving him a $99M extension last year or dump Wiggins after trading for him less than 6 months ago.
Teams don’t need revenue… ICYMI they are owned by billionaires! They can overspend for a few years while pursuing a championship!
Does Tatum really think confidence gives him an edge in today’s game? If you’re not confident in your ability, you’re not going to thrive in the NBA. I’m not sure why he would believe that to be a distinct quality.
Anyway, the Celtics better hope Walker’s knee troubles clear up. They don’t have too much depth beyond Smart and Brown at guard
If you think you suck you’re probably going to suck. So yes it does. Listen to any pro athlete when they talk about confidence.
And if you think you suck and thus suck, you’re not going to make it to the NBA in the first place. The confidence might give you a big edge on your way up but once you’re with the pros everyone has confidence. You need more than that.
@Reflect
Thanks for actually reading my comment, unlike the original replier
Part of being confident is thinking you’re more confident than the next guy. Nothing odd about what Tatum said.
Let me clarify, as my comment’s getting misinterpreted. I meant all NBA players are inherently confident, as the only way to make it to the professionals is to believe in your ability. I don’t think Tatum is any different from his counterparts in this regard. Thus, I disagree that gives him a competitive “edge.” Im not suggesting that makes him weird or odd in anyway
Celtics younger players need to step it up to fill injury and weak spots of the team. If Walker’s knee continues to be a chronic issue, I say Romeo Langford is the kid that improves enough to vie for a point guard position.
As far as the PF/C weakness, it’s overdue for Robert Williams to develop into a starter. He’s got the potential to make it.
Williams ceiling may be a bouncier Theis who can finish lobs more often and block more shots. Theis is already a solid starter for the C’s… Can switch, seal off, set picks, protects the paint and can hit 3’s. I really do like the Time Lord, but the kid will never fully develop if he can’t stay healthy and get stronger.
The only problem with Theis and R Williams is that they are both only 6’8″ centers. I’d love to see Williams at PF.
Rob Williams was 6’8 1/2 w/o shoes at combine.. listed 6’10” as they do for everyone with shoes.
But height isn’t the number you should look at… it’s standing reach / wingspan. His 7’5.5 wingspan is top 5th percentile with only guys like Rudy Gobert, Bamba etc. higher. He also has no neck lol… standing reach comes from shoulders + wingspan. Which is why his 9’3.5 standing reach measured at combine is as good if not better than your average 7 footer.
Between that and his crazy bounce, he was the top rebounder in college even as a 4 at times, and can be expected to be 12-14 rebounds per 36 in the NBA. Plus he’s an elite blocker with that wingspan even out on perimeter and had 5 blocks per 36… which is among the best already.
He just needs experience / health and to grow a bit into his broad frame. He’s probably around 240lbs but should be able to add 10-15lbs+ of muscle no problem. He’s not as undersized as Theis for a 5… and he can’t be a 4 with no ability to step out and shoot (at the moment, but not likely ever to be a 3pt threat).