Celtics issue injury updates on Kemba Walker, Romeo Langford
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Boston Celtics issued a series of medical updates on point guard Kemba Walker and forward Romeo Langford, in addition to free-agent addition Tristan Thompson.
Walker recently received a stem cell injection in his left knee and was put on a 12-week “strengthening program” to get ready for the 2020-21 season. The program includes a return to on-court activities in early December, but the Celtics don’t expect an update on his status until early January.
Langford needs more time to recover. The sophomore out of Indiana recently underwent successful wrist surgery and was given a return timetable of 4-5 months. The Celtics say Langford’s recovery “has been proceeding as planned.”
Thompson, meanwhile, strained his hamstring during a workout that took place prior to arriving in Boston. He will be limited during the first week of training camp.
Kemba Walker addressed his knee injury with a stem cell injection and strengthening program, rather than opting for surgery. (Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images)
Celtics president of basketball ops Danny Ainge addressed Walker’s injury with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich on Tuesday. He explained why Walker got a stem cell injection and went on a strengthening program, rather than opting for surgery.
“We’re just being very cautious with Kemba,” Ainge said. “We didn’t have a long-enough offseason, so we set out during the offseason – he saw just a few different doctors to research what was going on with his knee, why he didn’t feel as good as he hoped. They all said surgery is definitely not needed, you need to strengthen your quad and your hamstring and your glutes and you should be fine.
MORE: Tristan Thompson excited to get to work for Celtics
“We’re encouraged that he’ll be able to return at full speed, but we do not want to rush the program, just because we’re starting so early. We’re not going to push him to start sooner, now that the season is starting earlier than some anticipated.”
Listen below for the full Ainge interview.
Sidelines Podcast
Matt Dolloff and Ty Anderson talked about Gordon Hayward and much more in the newest episode of the Sidelines Podcast on Wednesday. Have a listen below.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
