BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on October 06, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Celtics’ Kemba Walker leaves Friday night’s game on a stretcher after a scary collision with teammate Semi Ojeleye.
Late in the second quarter, while playing the Nuggets, Boston Celtics’ All-Star guard Kemba Walker lost his footing and stumbled forward, colliding head-first with teammate Semi Ojeleye. Walker quickly collapsed leaving fans to wonder if he’d injured his neck as he lay still on the court.
Soon after the game was stopped and he was addressed by medical staff who put him on a stretcher, removing him from the floor for further evaluation.
Here’s how the injury occurred.
The Celtics took to Twitter to address the injury shortly after removing him from the court.
“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.”
Kemba was a three-time All-Star as a member of the Charlotte Hornets and was named to the All-NBA Team last year. This summer, he was brought in by Boston to replace the departing Kyrie Irving and has done a brilliant job.
Walker has been perhaps the Celtics best player throughout the early stretch of the season, averaging 22 points, and over 4 rebounds and assists each per game as he has led them to an 11-3 record to start the year.
If Walker is to miss extended time, he will be their second All-Star player to do so as Gordon Hayward suffered a broken left hand earlier in the season. A prolonged absence would mean that young players like Brad Wanamaker and Carsen Edwards would be called upon to step up and run the offense.