Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is on an encouraging path to recovery following his ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian, known for his versatile play, is optimistic about his return to the court, possibly earlier than initially expected.
Aiming for a December Comeback
Porzingis, who sustained an ankle injury that required surgery, was initially projected to be sidelined for five to six months. This timeline set his potential return in December, but the dedicated big man is eyeing an even sooner comeback. "The expectation is sometime in December, but I’m feeling really good and I’m working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," said Porzingis.
Progress in Rehabilitation
Over the past weekend, Porzingis participated in significant rehabilitation activities, including running and engaging in light contact drills. These steps mark an important milestone in his recovery process. "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 shared with palpable optimism.
Cautious Yet Hopeful
Boston Celtics’ staff, led by team president Brad Stevens, remains cautious given the unique nature of Porzingis’ injury. Stevens highlighted the team's satisfaction with the progress, albeit without committing to a definitive 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 remarked.
Past Injuries and Grit
Porzingis is no stranger to playing through pain. Last season, he battled an ankle injury sustained in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, which led to a torn medial retinaculum. Nevertheless, he managed to return to the court, playing 16 minutes in Game 5 despite the injury. He also logged critical minutes in Game 1 of the Finals while recovering from a calf injury. This resilience has not gone unnoticed and is a testament to his dedication and toughness.
Preparing for the Season
As the new NBA season approaches, veteran Al Horford is expected to start at center until Porzingis is fit to return. The Celtics will also rely on backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman to fill the gap during Porzingis' recovery period. Stevens emphasized the strategic approach taken by the team to ensure Porzingis' well-being, allowing him to recover fully before returning to action.
An Optimistic Future
Despite the cautious approach from the medical team, Porzingis is eager and hopeful. "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 stated confidently.
With his eyes set on a return potentially sooner than December, Porzingis continues to work hard, maintaining a positive outlook. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been his mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court.
The Boston Celtics and their fans await the return of their versatile big man, hopeful that his recovery continues smoothly and that Porzingis can contribute significantly in the upcoming season. His progress is a beacon of hope for the team, aiming to capitalize on his presence and skills once he steps back onto the hardwood.