Former Celtics guard to miss time following surgery | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Sports and Competition on Wed, Aug 27th, 2025 by Sporting News

Former Celtics guard Kendrick Nunn to miss time after surgery – a detailed recap

In a recent Sporting News article, former Boston Celtics guard Kendrick Nunn announced that he will miss a significant chunk of the upcoming season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle. The 25‑year‑old shooting guard, who was a 4th‑overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has already been a mainstay for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022‑23 campaign, and the setback could ripple through the team's roster planning and playoff aspirations.

What the article says

The article opens with a straightforward statement: Nunn will be sidelined for an estimated 4‑6 weeks following an ankle surgery. The injury came after a game‑late twist of his ankle during a road matchup against the Washington Bullets in early January. Although he was able to finish the play, the subsequent medical evaluation revealed a fracture in his tibial plateau that required operative repair. The 76ers’ medical staff opted for a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to realign the bone and repair the damaged ligaments, a move that should expedite his recovery compared to more invasive surgery.

Nunn himself provided an emotional and optimistic take on the situation. “It’s a bummer to be in that position, but I’ve been through this before,” he said. “The doctors have been incredibly supportive and the rehab plan is solid. I’m ready to get back on the floor as soon as the clearance comes.” He emphasized that he will focus on the rehabilitation process, saying, “My priority right now is to get back to full health and be ready for the next phase of the season.”

The article also quoted the 76ers’ head coach, Monty Williams, who acknowledged the impact of losing a player of Nunn’s caliber. “Kendrick is a key contributor on both ends of the floor,” Williams said. “His ability to score from the perimeter and create for others is something we will miss. We have to adjust, but we’re confident he’ll be back and ready.” Williams further added that the team is leaning on veteran guard Ty‑Ty Brooks to step up as the primary ball‑handler during Nunn’s absence, while also calling in the 76ers’ top defensive player, Joel Embiid, for more offensive responsibilities.

Nunn’s recent form and the stakes for the 76ers

In the 2021‑22 season, the 76ers were in a rebuilding phase and Nunn’s contributions were vital. He averaged 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. That performance marked a significant improvement over his rookie season in 2019‑20, where he averaged 11.5 points in 16.2 minutes per game. Nunn’s high‑scoring ability and defensive versatility have made him a fan favourite and an essential piece of the 76ers’ rotation.

The Sporting News article underscores how Nunn’s injury could affect the 76ers’ playoff push. The team currently sits in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings, with a chance to clinch a top‑four seed. “With Nunn out, we’ll need to rely more heavily on our bench,” the article notes, citing the 76ers’ bench depth relative to other Eastern Conference powerhouses. The team’s front‑court rotation, featuring Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, will have to shoulder a larger share of the offensive load while the coaching staff adjusts defensive matchups to compensate for the absence of a perimeter defender.

Follow‑up information from linked sources

The article also follows up on a linked team press release that confirmed the details of Nunn’s surgery and recovery timeline. In that release, the 76ers’ medical director, Dr. Robert Wong, highlighted that Nunn’s surgery was “minor in the context of orthopedic procedures” and that the typical recovery period is “4–6 weeks” before a player can return to light training, with a gradual return to full practice after an additional 1–2 weeks. The team also highlighted that they have been working closely with a specialized rehabilitation center in Philadelphia to ensure the player’s safe and efficient return.

Another link leads to a feature interview with Nunn on the 76ers’ official website, where he expands on the emotional journey of dealing with the injury. He recounts how he’s been “talking to a sports psychologist” to help manage the mental strain of missing a significant amount of time. “I’m grateful for the support from my family and teammates,” he says. “It’s not easy to sit on the sidelines, but I’ve learned to focus on the things I can control.”

Implications for the future

With Nunn’s surgery confirmed, the 76ers will need to be strategic about roster moves. The Sporting News article suggests that the team could look to sign a free‑agent guard during the next window or possibly trade for a role‑player from a contender to maintain competitiveness. “We’re always looking at options,” the article quotes Nunn’s agent, L.J. Harvey, saying. “We’ll see how we can keep the team strong while Nunn is out.”

On the other side of the league, the Boston Celtics have already moved on from Nunn in their rebuilding process, trading him to the 76ers during the 2020 off‑season. Nonetheless, the article notes that the former Celtics guard’s career trajectory could still be a point of interest for fans who followed his rise through the Celtics’ system, especially in the context of his high‑scoring performance and consistent improvement. While the injury is a setback, Nunn’s track record suggests that he will come back stronger and continue to contribute to the 76ers’ ambitions.

Bottom line

In summary, the Sporting News article paints a picture of a player who, despite a painful and somewhat unexpected injury, remains focused, positive, and committed to his team. Kendrick Nunn’s ankle surgery will sideline him for 4–6 weeks, a period that could see the 76ers adapt to his absence, while Nunn and the organization remain hopeful that he’ll return in time to help the team reach their postseason goals. Fans will no doubt be eager to see him back on the court, proving once again that he’s a vital component of the 76ers’ evolving identity.