Kristaps Porzingis, the new Boston Celtics player, will miss the FIBA Basketball World Cup due to a foot injury. The Latvian big man recently revealed that he is dealing with plantar fasciitis, and after consulting with the Latvian national team and the Celtics, it was decided that he should sit out the upcoming tournament in order to recover.
This injury may raise concerns, considering Porzingis’ injury history throughout his NBA career. However, the Celtics are downplaying any worries about his availability for the upcoming regular season. A Celtics source stated that they are not overly concerned about the foot ailment, indicating that they believe Porzingis will be ready to play when the season begins.
The Celtics acquired Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade that involved sending Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. This move cost the Celtics a key piece of their core, showcasing their commitment to having Porzingis as the third wheel behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Boston also signed him to a lucrative two-year extension worth $60 million, making him an integral part of their plans for the next three years.
Although Porzingis had a relatively healthy season with the Wizards last year, playing in 65 games, it was the most action he has seen since his second year in the league during the 2016-17 season. He had an impressive season, averaging a career-best 23.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 50 overall and 39 percent from beyond the arc. He also contributed 8.4 rebounds per game.
Rest is deemed the best course of action for Porzingis and his plantar fasciitis. He will have a few weeks off before the Celtics begin their training camp in late September. The team hopes this break will allow Porzingis to fully recover and be ready to make a significant contribution to their lineup in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, while the Celtics acknowledge Porzingis’ foot injury and his injury history, they are confident in his ability to recover and join the team for the regular season. With their investment in Porzingis as a key player, the Celtics will be eagerly anticipating his return to full health and his contributions on the court.
