Boston Celtics Center Kristaps Porzingis Optimistic About Early Return After Ankle Surgery
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, who underwent ankle surgery in late June, is making swift strides towards his return to the court. The 29-year-old Latvian has been working diligently to accelerate his recovery, setting an eye on an early comeback possibly by December. Originally expected to be sidelined for five to six months, Porzingis's latest progress in rehabilitation is promising.
Porzingis Accelerates Recovery
Over the weekend, Porzingis took significant steps in his rehabilitation by running and engaging in light contact drills, including one-on-one play. With each day, his optimism grows as he marks off milestones in his recovery process. "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," shared Porzingis.
Optimism and Caution
The Celtics' staff, led by team president Brad Stevens, has emphasized caution despite Porzingis's visible progress. Stevens remarked, "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."
Porzingis, who played through an ankle injury in the previous NBA Finals, understands the gravity of his condition but remains hopeful. "The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," he said. The Celtics' medical staff is keen on not rushing his return, a sentiment that Porzingis acknowledges. "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," added Porzingis.
Team Dynamics in Porzingis's Absence
While Porzingis recuperates, the Celtics have made necessary adjustments for the upcoming season. Veteran Al Horford is expected to start at center, anchoring the team with his experience. Backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will provide essential support during Porzingis's recovery. The team's strategy reflects a blend of caution and preparedness, ensuring that they remain competitive while their star center regains full fitness.
Porzingis's determination to return ahead of schedule is supported by his exceptional work ethic and the comprehensive rehabilitation program laid out by the Celtics' medical team. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to the game. As he continues to "do a good amount of stuff" and stay "optimistic as always," the Celtics and their fans eagerly await his return to full strength.
In the meantime, the Celtics staff continues to monitor his progress with a careful eye. Stevens expressed satisfaction with Porzingis's progress but refrained from setting a concrete timeline for his return. The team's cautious approach underscores the importance of a full recovery over a hurried comeback, ensuring Porzingis's long-term contribution to the team's success.
Kristaps Porzingis's journey back to the court is marked by significant milestones, unwavering optimism, and a supportive team. His potential early return is a beacon of hope for the Boston Celtics as they prepare for the forthcoming NBA season.