Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is making strides in his recovery after undergoing ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian star has been diligently working towards a return to the court, and optimism abounds regarding his progress.
"The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," Porzingis shared. This statement reflects his determination and optimism, showing his commitment to rehabilitating his injury as swiftly and effectively as possible.
Steady Progress
Porzingis, who faced a recovery timeline of five to six months post-surgery, is already engaging in activities that indicate significant progress. Over the weekend, he participated in running exercises 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," he explained.
The Celtics' staff, led by team president Brad Stevens, has expressed cautious optimism about Porzingis' recovery. "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 noted.
Previous Battle with Injuries
Last season, Porzingis displayed remarkable resilience by playing through an ankle injury sustained in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he tore his medial retinaculum. Despite the pain, he returned to play 16 minutes in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Before his surgery, Porzingis also fought through a calf injury to deliver pivotal minutes in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. His commitment to the game and his team has never wavered, even in the face of significant physical challenges.
Team Adjustments
In the interim, veteran Al Horford is expected to take on the starting center role at the beginning of the season. The Celtics will also rely on backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman to provide support during Porzingis' recovery period. This strategic move ensures that the team remains competitive while allowing Porzingis the necessary time to heal properly.
Rushing Nothing
Porzingis himself has acknowledged the importance of adhering to a cautious rehabilitation plan. "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."
Looking Forward
The steady progress and positive feedback on Porzingis' rehabilitation journey are promising for the Celtics. His influence on the court is undeniable, and his return, whether in December or earlier, will undoubtedly bolster the team's performance. Brad Stevens remains satisfied with Porzingis' progress but refrains from committing to a concrete timeline, ensuring that the focus remains on a full and healthy recovery.
Kristaps Porzingis' return to full fitness is eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike. His unwavering optimism and diligent work ethic continue to inspire confidence as he navigates this critical phase of his career.