Giddens, Walker recalled from Utah

J.R. GIDDENSMinutes man

While the Celtics have recalled their two rookies from the NBA Development League, neither is expected to be on hand for tonight's showdown in Cleveland.

The Celtics announced yesterday that they have recalled guard J.R. Giddens and forward Bill Walker from the Utah Flash. Giddens and Walker said in phone interviews that they were slated to be back in Boston last night. While Celtics president Danny Ainge expressed satisfaction with the play of both in Utah, he said they will stay in Boston for the time being to recover from injuries and work with development coaches.

"I feel good about it," Giddens said. "I'm anxious to get back up there and see how we do."

Said Walker, "I'm excited about getting back up there and getting acclimated with the team."

Giddens appeared in 13 games for the Flash, averaging 17.3 points on 53.5 percent shooting from the field, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and a team-high 1.5 blocks in a team-high 37.6 minutes per game. The 6-foot-5-inch, 215-pounder has been hampered by a sprained right wrist that has affected his jump shot and he expects to get the injury evaluated in Boston.

"I feel like I played solid," Giddens said. "I feel like I played hard and I was efficient."

Walker appeared in 15 games for the Flash, averaging a team-high 18.7 points on 55.7 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30.5 minutes. Ainge said Walker is recovering from a hip pointer.

"I was going out there playing hard," Walker said. "I tried to learn on defense and play efficient. I think I did that."