Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is optimistic about a quick return to the court following ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian big man has been working diligently to speed up his recovery process.
Optimistic Recovery
After undergoing surgery expected to sideline him for five to six months, Porzingis is eyeing a return as early as December. "The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," said Porzingis. Over the weekend, he made significant strides in his rehabilitation by running and participating in light contact drills, including one-on-one play.
Diligent Rehabilitation
The Celtics' medical team, led by team president Brad Stevens, has emphasized caution due to the unique nature 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," Stevens explained. "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."
Porzingis, who had been battling an ankle injury since Game 2 of the NBA Finals, returned to play 16 minutes in Game 5 despite the pain. The surgery addressed a tear in his medial retinaculum, a part of the ankle's stabilizing structure. Prior to that, he played crucial minutes in Game 1 while recovering from a calf injury, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team.
Team Adjustments
Veteran Al Horford is expected to start at center at the beginning of the season. Backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will provide support as Porzingis continues his recovery. These adjustments are necessary to ensure the team remains competitive while Porzingis works his way back to full strength.
Porzingis remains positive and motivated. "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," he said. "And the most important is I felt really good the next day, too. So yeah, looking forward to ramping up even more."
Cautious Optimism
The Celtics' staff remains cautious and advises against rushing the recovery process. "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.
In the meantime, the Celtics will rely on their depth and experience to navigate the early part of the season. Brad Stevens' cautious approach combined with Porzingis' determined mindset could set the stage for a robust return, strengthening the Celtics’ roster as they chase another successful season.
Porzingis' journey back to the court is underscored by his unwavering optimism and commitment to the game. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been his mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court. His recovery process is a testament to his work ethic and the support system around him.
As the Celtics look forward to Porzingis’ return, fans can take solace in knowing that the big man is on track and in high spirits. The focus remains on ensuring he is fully prepared to make an impactful comeback, reinforcing the team’s goals and aspirations for the season.