Celtics’ Kemba Walker suffered an on-court injury during the Nuggets game in Denver.
Kemba Walker ran headfirst into teammate Semi Ojeleye during the game against the Nuggets in Denver, Colorado and injured his neck. The team made an official announcement on Twitter saying he was being treated for concussion-type symptoms, but no further information was given about the condition of his neck:
#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.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 23, 2019
Looking at the video, it’s unclear if the injury really was so brutal or just another player in a fit of dramatics on the court. Injuries to the neck and head can be extremely serious in basketball, especially when players collide at high speeds during the game. Walker immediately fell to the floor after hitting Ojeleye and was quickly taken off the court in a stretcher. Referees and members of both teams stopped play to gather around him, check on his condition, and see him safely off the court.
The incident happened during the second half of the game. The Celtics were gaining on the Nuggets but ultimately lost 96 to 92. It remains to be seen what the team will look like if this leads to a longer leave of absence for Walker.
Walker is a three-time NBA All-Star and an integral part of the Celtics lineup. He played for the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornet until 2019, so he’s a fairly recent addition to the team. This should prove to be a minor injury for a talented player and we hope to see him return to the court soon! Wishing him a speedy recovery.