Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is optimistic about a speedy return to the court following ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian big man has been diligently working on his recovery, aiming for an early comeback in December.
"The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," Porzingis shared, radiating optimism. His determination shines through as he describes his current rehabilitation regimen.
A Head Start on Recovery
Porzingis took a significant leap in his healing journey over the weekend, running and participating in 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 elaborated.
The injury that sidelined Porzingis for up to six months was a torn medial retinaculum, sustained during Game 2 of the NBA Finals last season. Despite the severity of the injury, Porzingis returned to play pivotal minutes, showcasing his resilience by participating in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and contributing significantly to his team's efforts.
Cautious Optimism from Celtics Staff
The Celtics' medical staff, under the guidance of team president Brad Stevens, has continually emphasized caution 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 remarked.
Such caution is echoed by Porzingis himself, who understands the importance of a measured recovery 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," he acknowledged.
Team Depth Tested
As Porzingis eyes his return, the Celtics will lean heavily on their roster's depth. Veteran Al Horford is expected to start at center at the beginning of the season, providing a steady presence in the lineup. Supporting him will be backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman, who will play crucial roles in maintaining the team's competitiveness during Porzingis' recovery.
Although Stevens is pleased with Porzingis' recent progress, he refrains from setting a concrete timeline for his return, emphasizing the need for a careful and patient approach. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been Porzingis' mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court.
Porzingis' journey back to full fitness is a testament to his dedication and commitment. His palpable optimism and the professionalism of the Celtics' medical staff set the stage for a potentially earlier-than-expected return, a prospect that surely excites fans and the team alike.