Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is on the mend and optimistic about a swift return to the court following ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian big man has been working diligently to accelerate his recovery and plans to be back in action sooner than the initial timeline suggests.
Porzingis, who was expected to be sidelined for five to six months post-surgery, is eyeing a return as early as December. Speaking at the Celtics' media day, Porzingis expressed his eagerness to rejoin his teammates: "The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that."
Progress and Optimism
Over the weekend, Porzingis took significant steps in his rehabilitation. He was able to run and engage in light contact drills, including one-on-one play, activities that signal positive progress. "I think I've started the next stage now as I got here. Started running, had some light contact stuff. Played some, like, 1-on-1. I felt really good. I felt really good and the most important is I felt really good the next day, too. So yeah, looking forward to ramping up even more," Porzingis remarked.
Despite his enthusiasm, Porzingis remains cognizant of the need to follow the medical team's guidance. The Celtics' staff, led by team president Brad Stevens, has emphasized caution given the unique nature of his injury. "Obviously the energy I'm feeling from the doctor, the surgeon, the medical staff is not to rush anything. But for myself, obviously, if you ask me and I had to do my own protocol, I would probably go quicker. But that's a good sign. I'm feeling really good. My ankle's feeling really, really good," Porzingis shared.
A Critical Role
Porzingis' contribution to the Celtics last season cannot be overstated. His combination of rim protection, deep shooting range, and ability to exploit defensive switches provided Boston with a formidable weapon on both ends of the floor. His return is highly anticipated, not only for his on-court prowess but also for the strategic depth he adds to the team's roster.
Last season, Porzingis demonstrated his resilience by playing through injury. He hurt his ankle in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, tearing his medial retinaculum. Remarkably, he returned to play 16 minutes in Game 5, further solidifying his reputation as a tough and dedicated player. Before his surgery, Porzingis also played pivotal minutes in Game 1 of the Finals despite coming off a calf injury.
Looking Forward
While Porzingis works towards his return, the Celtics have the depth to manage his absence. Veteran Al Horford is expected to start at center at the beginning of the season, while backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will provide support. This depth allows the Celtics to handle the early part of the season without feeling the immense loss of their star center.
Stevens expressed satisfaction with Porzingis' progress but refrained from setting a concrete timeline. "Kristaps obviously had the surgery that was well documented after the year and seems to be recovering well. He's very optimistic. I don't know that we're interested in putting a timeline on him because the injury is unique. But as far as how he feels and the progress that he's made, I'd say we're very, very pleased with where he is and maybe a little surprised," Stevens stated.
In the meantime, Porzingis continues to work tirelessly, driven by a desire to rejoin his teammates and make an impact. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been his mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court. Porzingis aims to be more than 100% ready for each step of his return-to-play protocol, ensuring that when he steps back onto the court, he will be fully prepared to contribute at the highest level.
As the Celtics embark on the new season, all eyes will be on Porzingis' recovery. His potential early return is a promising development for the team, poised to build on last season's successes. For now, the Celtics and their fans will continue to monitor his progress as they eagerly anticipate the return of their star center.