Boston’s Kemba Walker cleared to begin practicing with team

With several players in the league’s health and safety protocols for the near-term future, the news couldn’t come at a better time.

The Boston Celtics announced via press release today that starting point guard Kemba Walker has been cleared to begin practicing with the team.

At a moment where the Celtics are significantly depleted due to precautions with the NBA’s health and safety protocols, one of whom — Robert Williams III — out with asymptomatic COVID-19, the prospect of getting such a high-level player back could not come at a better time. While Walker’s timeline to return to live-game action is unclear, it is likely several days away at very least, given the former UConn standout will need time to get his body up to speed.

The Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach relates that, dependent on how things go, Walker might be back as soon as Friday, Jan. 15 vs. the Orlando Magic.

“[Kemba Walker and strength coach Jack Delacey] have done a nice job putting together a plan of attack, along with Phil Coles and then hopefully he’ll be back soon,” related head coach Brad Stevens ahead of the team’s game against the Washington Wizards Friday.

“He’s been pain free for months,” he added.

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