It seems Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker may have misspoken.
Earlier in the week, after playing big minutes in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, the UConn product said he’d played through a minutes restriction because of how close the All-Star game was.
He later recanted this version of events, instead saying he actually wasn’t on a minutes restriction at the time.
This version of events was supported by head coach Brad Stevens confirming he’d not made any attempt to contact the All-Star team’s head coach — Toronto Raptors’ coach Nick Nurse — about a supposed limit on Walker’s playing time.
“I kind of said it wrong, actually,” noted the Bronx native (via MassLive’s Tom Westerholm).
Kemba Walker defies minutes restriction to close 2020 All-Star Game https://t.co/KmYZshGkV8
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 17, 2020
“It wasn’t really a minutes restriction. I didn’t think I would play that much, personally. But yeah, it wasn’t really a minutes restriction,” he added.
After it was announced that the four-time All-Star would miss at least a game after having a sore, swollen knee drained of fluid, increased scrutiny of Walker’s extended run in the All-Star game cropped up. But the former Husky denied there was anything untoward going on by any party.
Noting this is not the first time this has happened to him, the former Charlotte Hornet related it was a somewhat common issue in his last stop as well.
The 29-year-old point guard is feeling better, and hopes to be ready to play again if needed. Boston may need to weigh whether it’s more important to sit the veteran floor general against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 23 in the interest of Walker’s best health in the postseason.
“At the end of the day, that’s what’s most important: Being able to compete at the highest level in the playoffs and being able to compete at the highest level in the playoffs,” said the ailing point guard. “And being able to feel good competing. I don’t want to just be out there and just be an extra body on the floor.”
“I want to be out there and play my game,” added Walker.
For the Celtics, the feeling is mutual.
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