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Kemba content taking back seat to Tatum, Brown: 'I don't care about points'

Zach Beeker / National Basketball Association / Getty

Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker has no problem taking a back seat to rising stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

"I knew what I was getting into here," Walker said Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports' Keith Smith. "I knew how good those guys could be. We're having fun. I don't care about points. I just want to make runs in the playoffs. It's about those guys getting better."

Walker joined the Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal last offseason. The four-time All-Star was the lead man for the Charlotte Hornets for many years, but he cited his desire to win among the reasons he left for Boston.

The former UConn standout has remained productive in a complementary role with the Celtics, averaging 21.2 points and a team-high 4.9 assists per game in 2019-20.

But Walker's health has been an issue this season. The 30-year-old missed 14 contests before the league suspended play, including five straight following the All-Star game due to a left knee injury.

That same ailment has kept Walker out of multiple team practices in Orlando, but he isn't too concerned about his long-term outlook.

"It did get better over the break," Walker said. "When I came back, it started to bother me. Now I feel good. They made a great choice keeping me out of some of these practices."

He added: "I think I'm going to be fine. All about maintenance."

Walker won't take part in Friday's scrimmage against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Celtics are set to resume their 2019-20 campaign on July 31 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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