It’s not just difficult for Boston Celtics to maintain their conditioning under quarantine — injury rehabilitation has been a challenge as well.
For Celtics starting point guard Kemba Walker, getting his knee right without the help available from Boston’s staff and equipment has forced the UConn product to continue the work on his own.
Speaking with former Boston big man Brian Scalabrine while the Celtics and NBC Sports Boston re-broadcasted an old game to fill the space of the coronavirus hiatus, the four-time All-Star related how COVID-19 has impacted his knee’s rehab process.
“How is the knee, and can you even test it out?” asked Scalabrine.
The Bronx native was earnest in his response, saying that the “knee is doing well.”
“Like you said, it’s difficult because I don’t have anyone around to get me some treatment or anything like that, so I have to do my own stuff, which I’m trying my best to do as much as possible. Still trying to stay on top of things, so at this point it’s all about discipline right now.”
The former Husky exacerbated a longtime issue with inflammation in his knee with an extended stint in the 2020 NBA All-Star game, eventually requiring fluid drainage and other treatment while costing the veteran guard a number of regular season games ahead of the March 11 shutdown.
While the lack of games created by the pandemic certainly helps minimize putting further wear on Walker’s knee, it shouldn’t be assumed it’s a complete positive, either.
With some luck — and hard work on the New Yorker’s part — the lack of hands-on help and equipment can be offset by telemedicine and dedication the veteran guard in renowned for.
