Celtics' Kemba Walker Stretchered off vs. Nuggets After Suffering Concussion

Celtics' Kemba Walker Stretchered off vs. Nuggets After Suffering Concussion

2019-11-23 05:09:14

Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker was stretchered off the court after his head collided with teammate Semi Ojeleye's torso while he went for a steal against the Denver Nuggets on Friday...

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 22: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 22, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker was stretchered off the court after his head collided with teammate Semi Ojeleye's torso while he went for a steal against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

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The Celtics soon issued a statement on Walker's injury:

Boston Celtics @celtics

#NEBHInjuryReport Kemba Walker has been diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms. He is being transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said on the network the Celtics believed Walker avoided "significant injury." Boston head coach Brad Stevens also provided a postgame update following Denver's 96-92 win:

Boston Celtics @celtics

#NEBHInjuryReport Brad Stevens says all of the scans and tests on Kemba Walker came back with positive results.

Entering Friday, the ninth-year veteran was averaging 22.6 points, 4.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game for the 11-4 C's.

With Walker out, Marcus Smart should get more time at the point. Smart leads the team with 5.1 assists per game.

The scrappy veteran out of Oklahoma State isn't known for his scoring prowess (12.1 PPG) or efficiency (37.6 FG%), but he can do a little of everything and bring it on both ends. At the least, he can run the offense in Walker's stead, though asking him to produce anything close to the starter's output would be too much.

But he can help guide the offense through others, namely Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Ojeleye could also see the court more. The third-year SMU product started the second half in Walker's place with Smart shifting to the point.

Rookie guard Carsen Edwards should also get more time off the bench.