During a recent media day, Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis expressed his excitement about the progress of his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. He conveyed a positive outlook, stating, “I’ve been doing a good amount of stuff, doing pretty good,” and emphasized his eagerness to get back on the court with his teammates. Porzingis is committed to continuing his rehabilitation at a steady pace, aiming for a swift return once he receives medical clearance.
Porzingis revealed to ESPN that he might be ready to return by December, which would be earlier than the anticipated 5- to 6-month recovery window following his surgery for a torn retinaculum and a dislocated posterior tibialis tendon.
This procedure took place in June, shortly after the Celtics’ championship parade, marking a pivotal moment in his journey with the team. His optimistic recovery timeline is a hopeful sign for the Celtics as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
At the media event, Porzingis showcased significant improvement in his physical condition, walking without a limp and reporting that he had begun running and participating in light-contact workouts.
He described his recent activities as feeling “really good” and expressed optimism about his recovery trajectory. His positive remarks indicate not only physical progress but also mental readiness as he looks forward to returning to action.
Despite having achieved success with a championship title last season, Porzingis remains hungry to prove himself further in the upcoming season. He acknowledged the presence of a “chip on my shoulder,” underscoring his desire to stay healthy for the next playoff run. This determination reflects his commitment to contributing to the Celtics’ aspirations for back-to-back championships.
As Porzingis continues his recovery, the Celtics will have to adapt to playing without him at the start of the season. Veteran Al Horford will be a crucial presence in the center position, joined by Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta, all of whom are ready for training camp after recovering from their own surgeries.
Celtics president Brad Stevens expressed confidence in the team’s overall health and emphasized the promising signs regarding Porzingis’ recovery, noting how pleased they are with his progress as he works towards his return.
