Boston Celtics: No Kemba means more minutes for Carsen Edwards vs. OKC

Without Kemba Walker, Carsen Edwards will be getting a critical look from the Boston Celtics tomorrow night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It appears unlikely that Kemba Walker will take the hardwood for the Boston Celtics in their first scrimmage Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Brad Stevens made as much clear on Tuesday when speaking to reporters in the Lake Buena Vista bubble:

"“Kemba did the first hour of practice,” Stevens said Tuesday afternoon. “[He] did not do anything live … [he] will be reevaluated tomorrow, with the likelihood of going live on Thursday morning [in practice]. Then, I don’t think he will play against Oklahoma City, even though he will practice the day before.”"

While that may be disappointing for C’s fans who haven’t seen their star point guard play in several months, Stevens is clearly preparing Walker for the long-haul. The pursuit of the #2 seed takes a back seat to preserve health before the playoffs, making preseason games just about as low as it gets on the priority totem pole.

There are a few silver linings of this news, though. First and foremost, Walker’s absence isn’t indicative of a lack of progress. He has been able to practice every day after initially being groomed to practice every other day. So don’t worry too much about his absence during the 40-minute exhibition opener.

What you should worry about is the fact that Walker’s absence will allow the C’s to evaluate at least one of their point guard prospects in Carsen Edwards. A shoot-first floor general by trade, Edwards profiles more as an undersized two, but the absence of Tremont Waters–who is currently in concussion protocol–means that any bench minutes not taken up by Brad Wanamaker will be going to the Purdue product.

A shoddy beginning to the regular season with the Boston Celtics (32/31/85 shooting slash) resulted in Edwards spending most of the year playing with the Maine Red Claws. Then again, he earned himself four years of financial security through his summer league performances–coincidentally in front of very few fans.

Perhaps Edwards can thrive under bubble conditions as well. He’ll get a chance to answer that question Friday night minus Walker in the lineup.