As well as they knew each other as the stars on their respective teams in Charlotte, Kemba Walker and Cam Newton had no idea that their careers would follow the same geographical course — to Boston.

"I know Cam, obviously," Walker said Wednesday of the Patriots quarterback. "We actually were both with the same shoe company when we first came out so that's how we really got to know each other.

"When I heard the news (of Newton's signing), it was just crazy," he said. "It was just crazy both of us came in the same year, spent the same amount of time there and then both came to Boston. It's insane to me. But I'm happy for him.

"New beginnings, obviously, and the fans are going to love him. They're going to love him a lot. So I'm looking forward to, when the world opens back up, going out there to a game and support him. So, yeah, it's exciting news."

Stevens says no positive tests

Brad Stevens received his best news early. Every player tested negative for COVID-19. The first in a repetitive battery of tests were taken on June 23 — the first day players were required to report.

"We've had no positive tests," said the Celtics coach. "Obviously we started as a team testing with the travel party and with anybody that would be in the gym, and the players. I think June 23 was our first day — I'm losing track of days. I've been tested every other day and knock on wood none so far.

"Obviously it's important that we all take care of ourselves and do what we can to obviously go into the bubble healthy, because I think those first couple weeks of practice are gonna be really important to get our legs underneath us. I think our guys have done a great job of staying in shape but I think once you get into practice and playing and those types of things it's a different level you have to reach. And for us, we talked about it all year, if we're not able to pressure the ball, if we're not disruptive at that end of the floor then we won't have a long stay. We know that that's a huge aspect for us is being in great condition."

No mask for coaching

Stevens is as cautious as the next coach where rules and precautions are concerned, but from what he has gathered, he won't be required to do his actual coaching with a mask on.

"From what I've been told, in practices and in games, I won't have to (wear a mask)," he said, also stressing that he hasn't heard anything officially. "That will be after we've been tested and quarantined and everything else. If I have to, I have to. I'll have to get good with hand signals."

Finding himself

As Walker discovered, there's a lot to being alone with one's thoughts during a lockdown.

"Honestly it's not even about being a professional athlete, but for me I think it's definitely helped me just become a better person," said Walker. "It's helped me just really expand my mind, thinking about different things, for the most part. I think over the quarantine I've really just grown as a person, really found myself a little bit, which I really enjoyed. In the beginning parts of the quarantine, it was really tough. But as it went on I really started to come into my own a little bit, so yeah it was a good time, unfortunately we are going through some tough times but we'll get over it. We'll get over it.

"I wouldn't change much because they do such a great job of giving us the resources for whatever we need," he said. "Mental health is super important and you know, some guys need someone to talk to. And need somebody who they can talk to and trust and the NBA does a great, great job of providing people to help us with that. As far as myself, I do the best that I can to keep my teammates upbeat. If they need to talk, if I can do anything to help, I will to the best of my ability, but the NBA they do an unbelievable job helping us with the resources we need."