Daniel Theis (knee) believes he'll be 100 percent for training camp

BOSTON -- The Celtics had their fair share of high profile injuries last year between Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, but they lost another key contributor for the final few months of the year in Daniel Theis. 

The German big man suffered a torn meniscus on the same night that Marcus Smart tore ligaments in his thumb last March and had surgery to repair the injury just over four months ago.

Theis was back at the Celtics' new practice facility on Wednesday afternoon, surprising some kids from a local Boys and Girls club with autographs and a meet and greet before giving an update on his recovery.

"I started change of direction and cutting today," he said. "I've been sprinting this whole week, jumpshots since last week. I've been progressing day-by-day and week-by-week now."

Theis insists he will be 100 percent by training camp, but knows he has a long road left in his recovery.

"It depends on how the knee reacts," Theis explained on what's next for him in his recovery. "If I get new (exercises), like today, tomorrow is an important day with how the knee reacts. For now, I haven't had a bad reaction. I have started sprinting and jump shots and my knee has never reacted badly. There's no timetable for it, but I think and hope I can do one-on-one stuff this month."

The 6-foot-9 forward/center provided the Celtics with a nice spark off the bench last year, playing well on both ends of the floor thanks to his versatility and finishing ability around the rim. He'll be in a tough fight for minutes with a deep bench unit next year but is eager to join 11 other returning teammates from last year's roster.

"It's great," Theis said of the carryover. "I know it from my own experience from playing on teams: When you keep the whole team, it helps. Last year, in the beginning, we had 11 or 12 new players. It took some time to develop on the court. Now, it'll be easy. We have Brad Wanamaker and Robert Williams. I know Brad. I played two years with him, so I'm excited and happy he's here now. I can't wait until everyone is back for training camp. When Kyrie's back and hopefully Gordon is 100 percent and we can start from where the team ended last season and hopefully make the next step."

A few other highlights from the interview session:

On how he's spent his summer: "I was home. I spent time with the national team. They had some workout qualification games. I was just around and doing rehab. That was basically my whole summer. After the national team, I went to see family, friends, all over the place, but still had to workout. Almost everyday I got calls and texts from doctors to make sure they knew how my knee is and that I knew what exercises to do and what the next step was."

On what return of Gordon Hayward means for the team: "With Gordon, he's going to help the team a lot, especially offensively and defensively. He knows Brad. I also think it's going to take some time for him to be back on the court and playing 5-on-5 in a real game. A scrimmage is a different story. Overall, I hope we play in June with this team. I think it's possible but it's a long season. I think we're all excited for training camp and then for the first game on the 16th. Now we know at least when we start and who we play in the first game. It's going to be fun."

A scouting report on his former teammate Wanamaker: "He's a top point guard. He's 6-foot-5. He's a strong body, a good defender, has good hands and can score the ball and also make the right plays. He developed his game over the last few years in Europe a lot. I hope and I know he can help the team on both ends of the floor. I know Coach Stevens throws everyone in there, so he's going to get his opportunity. I hope he's going to help the team."