Kristaps Porzingis Eyes December Return Post-Surgery
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has been steadily working on his recovery following ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian, known for his versatile skills on the court, remains hopeful for an early return and has his sights set on December.
Dedicated Rehabilitation Efforts
Since the procedure, Porzingis has been committed to an intensive rehabilitation regimen. Initially, he was expected to be out for five to six months, yet his recent progress suggests an earlier comeback might be feasible.
"The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," Porzingis shared. The optimism is palpable as he continues to push through each recovery milestone.
Encouraging Progress
Over the weekend, Porzingis advanced to running and light contact drills, an encouraging sign for both the player and the Celtics organization. "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," he remarked. "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."
Indeed, the Celtics’ medical staff, led by team president Brad Stevens, has emphasized a cautious approach given the uniqueness of his 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 stated.
Porzingis himself is keenly aware of the need to balance his enthusiasm with prudence. "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," he acknowledged.
Reflecting on the Past Season
Last season, Porzingis showcased his resilience by playing through an ankle injury sustained during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he tore his medial retinaculum. Despite this significant setback, he returned in Game 5 to contribute 16 minutes on the floor, demonstrating his dedication and toughness. Moreover, he played critical minutes in Game 1 of the Finals, even while recovering from a calf injury.
Team Adjustments
As the season begins without Porzingis in the roster, veteran Al Horford is expected to take on the starting role at center. Backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will be pivotal in providing support during Porzingis' rehabilitation period. This depth will be crucial for the Celtics as they navigate the opening months of the season.
Stevens and the Celtics' coaching staff will undoubtedly monitor Porzingis' progress closely, ensuring that he returns to the lineup only when it is safe and prudent. The mutual goal is to have him back in top form, contributing fully to the team's ambitions for the season ahead.
While a concrete timeline remains elusive, Porzingis' strides in recovery fuel hope for an impactful return. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been his mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court. For Celtics fans, the prospect of seeing Porzingis back in action cannot come soon enough, and every sign points to a promising return.