In a significant development for the Boston Celtics, center Kristaps Porzingis is making promising strides in his recovery from ankle surgery. The 29-year-old, who underwent the procedure in late June, has been optimistic about a return to the court sooner than initially anticipated.
An Optimistic Timeline
The Latvian big man is eyeing a December comeback, although he was initially slated to be out for five to six months. “The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that,” Porzingis stated, reflecting the confidence in his accelerated recovery process.
Porzingis’ rehabilitation has seen marked progress recently. Over the weekend, he advanced to running and light contact drills, including one-on-one play. “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.
Navigating Recovery
The Celtics' medical team, led by team president Brad Stevens, is proceeding with caution given the specificity of Porzingis’ injury. “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 commented.
Playing with prudence is crucial, particularly given Porzingis’ history. He played through an ankle injury in Game 2 of the NBA Finals last season, tearing his medial retinaculum but still contributing to his team’s efforts. Remarkably, he even logged 16 minutes in Game 5 despite his condition. Prior to the surgery, Porzingis also managed key minutes in Game 1 while dealing with a calf injury. Such resilience underscores his dedication and toughness, both valuable traits for any team.
Support from the Team
In Porzingis' absence, veteran Al Horford is expected to anchor the center position at the start of the season. Meanwhile, backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will be on hand to provide necessary support. This depth in the roster ensures that the Celtics remain competitive while Porzingis works his way back to full fitness.
Hope and Caution
Porzingis' positive momentum in recovery is cause for cautious optimism. He remains upbeat about his progress, though he acknowledges the importance of not rushing back. “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.”
Brad Stevens also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Porzingis' injury but expressed satisfaction with his progress. “Doing a good amount of stuff" has been his mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court." While there is no set timeline, the progress so far suggests that Celtics fans might not have to wait long to see their star center back in action.
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on ensuring that Porzingis returns stronger and healthier. His determination and optimism, coupled with the cautious approach of the medical team, set a hopeful tone for what lies ahead. Celtics Nation will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating his return to fortify the team's quest for success in the new season.