By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Kristaps Porzingis has surgery on his left leg.
Updating his injury status, the Boston Celtics estimated he will be able to return to action in five to six months. His next stint on the injury list stretches beyond missing the opportunity to represent Latvia in the approaching FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga and possibly playing in the 2024 Olympic Games to the top of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
Per the press release: “The Boston Celtics announced today that center Kristaps Porzingis underwent successful surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon. Porzingis is expected to return to play in 5-6 months. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”
Porzingis, 28, moved to Boston before the 2023-24 season. Logging 57 appearances, all starts, in the 2023-24 Regular Season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per contest. Limited to seven games played in the Playoffs presented by Google Pixel due to a calf injury and the later setback leading to surgery, he contributed 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 assists per game in the championship run.
Scanning the market in preparations for the next season, the Celtics are expected to pursue additional options for head coach Joe Mazzulla, since Porzingis is projected to start the 2024-25 campaign on the injury list.
A former player of the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks, the Latvian big is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.