Celtics Playing Long Game with Kristaps Porzingis

The Boston Celtics made quick work on their way to clinching the 2024 NBA championship. Following the 4-0 sweep at the Indiana Pacers expense, the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

Fortunately for Boston, its team is loaded with talent, allowing no pressure for Kristaps Porzingis to heal from a rare ankle injury suffered in the first round of the playoffs.

Porzingis returned in the NBA Finals to face his former team, only to reaggravate the injury in Game 3. Brad Stevens addressed the media with an update on Porzingis' injury status.

"He’s in Latvia. He’s starting to do more and more and more. He was in a boot for a while there, but every indication is he’s progressing well and he’s on the right timeline. But it’s going to be a while," Stevens claimed .

After the NBA Finals, Porzingis had surgery on his ankle, with an estimated recovery time of five to six months. However, Stevens' comments suggest that Porzingis' return could take longer than expected.

While Porzingis recovers, the Celtics' frontcourt is anchored by Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Porzingis averaged 12.3 points in 60 minutes played in the 2024 NBA Finals. Considering Porzingis' riddled-with-injuries history, Boston will likely move cautiously with the championship center. The Celtics proved it can win significant games without Porzingis, alleviating the pressure of forcing a premature return.

Porzingis averaged 20 points and seven rebounds last season. The Celtics look to nurse their starting center for another NBA Finals run in 2025.