Kristaps Porzingis Optimistic About Return Post-Ankle Surgery
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is making strides in his recovery journey following ankle surgery in late June. The 29-year-old Latvian big man, known for his resilience and work ethic, has been dedicated to accelerating his rehabilitation and eyeing an earlier-than-expected return to the court.
Originally anticipated to be out for five to six months, Porzingis is now targeting a possible comeback in December. Over the weekend, significant progress was noted in his rehabilitation as he was spotted running and participating in light contact drills, including one-on-one sessions.
"The expectation is sometime in December, but I'm feeling really good and I'm working towards hopefully playing earlier than that," Porzingis shared. His optimism is evident as he continues to push his limits, balancing necessary caution with his desire to return to the game he loves.
Team president Brad Stevens has praised Porzingis' progress, but he remains cautious about committing to a concrete timeline for the player's return. "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.
Porzingis' journey back to the court has been meticulously managed by the Celtics' medical team, emphasizing a balance of rest and gradual increase in activity. This measured approach stems from the unique nature of his injury – a torn medial retinaculum, sustained during Game 2 of the NBA Finals last season. Despite the injury, Porzingis demonstrated his tenacity by returning to play 16 minutes in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and contributing crucial minutes in Game 1 while recovering from a calf injury.
His recent activities mark a critical phase in his recovery. "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," Porzingis explained, highlighting the importance of not just immediate progress, but sustainable recovery.
The Celtics' strategy, led by Stevens, is to ensure that Porzingis returns fully fit without rushing the 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 noted.
In the interim, the Celtics have planned their lineup with veteran Al Horford expected to start at center. Backups Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are set to provide the necessary support as Porzingis continues his recovery journey.
Porzingis' positive mindset and progress have been a source of encouragement for the Celtics and their fans. His commitment to the recovery process and the team's cautious yet optimistic approach suggest that his return could indeed be a game-changer for the Celtics as the season progresses.
Stevens' satisfaction with Porzingis' recovery process, coupled with Porzingis' own optimism, fosters a hopeful atmosphere for the team's prospects. "Doing a good amount of stuff" has been Porzingis' mantra, and he remains "optimistic as always" about his path back to the court.
As the Celtics gear up for the season, the anticipation builds around Porzingis' return. While a December timeline is the current expectation, Porzingis' progress could see him back on the court even sooner, eager to contribute to the Celtics' pursuit of success in the upcoming season.