Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis reportedly targeting December return
"It could even be earlier, but right now they're really focused on that month."
The Celtics are reportedly expecting some serious reinforcements just in time for the holiday season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics are targeting a December return date for Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-foot-2 big man underwent surgery shortly after Boston won its 18th title, going under the knife to correct a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in his ankle.
“The Celtics are targeting December from what I’m told for Kristaps Porzingis and his return,” Charania said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “And there was a video I was seeing last (Monday) night of him warming up before the game.”
Charania’s comments fall in line with the initial five to six-month recovery timeline initially projected back in late June. But Charania added that the Celtics don’t necessarily need to rush Porzingis back, even if he gets the green light to play in December.
“If the [Celtics] didn’t have the luxury of being where they’re at now, maybe you’re more pressed to bring KP back. But they have the luxury of being able to be patient. They can wait. They don’t necessarily need to rush him back at all,” Charania added. “If it ends up taking until January, it takes until January. But right now they’re targeting December. It could even be earlier, but right now they’re really focused on that month.”
Back in September, Porzingis acknowledged that he has already started contact drills.
“I’m running, I’m on the court shooting, normal,” Porzingis said during the team’s media day. “I’m doing a lot of stuff honestly. I was already doing some stuff with light contact also and felt really good afterwards. I think it’s a really good sign that we had from the other day and I’m optimistic as always.”
“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,” Brad Stevens added of Porzingis’ status last month. “Maybe a little surprised.”
The eventual return of Porzingis will significantly bolster the Celtics in several facets of their game — especially given his size, post play and 3-point shooting. But Boston should be able to hold its own without the 29-year-old, at least out of the gate.
Boston went 21-4 without Porzingis in the lineup during the 2023-24 season, along with a 10-2 recording in the playoffs when the big man was on the mend.
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