The Boston Celtics took a significant risk during the offseason by trading away Marcus Smart in a three-team deal that brought in Kristaps Porzingis.
Following their defeat in a seven-game series against the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics felt the necessity to shake up their roster, and the acquisition of Porzingis signaled a shift in the team’s identity.
Porzingis showcased good health during the 2022-23 NBA season, resulting in one of the most successful stretches of his career, nearly earning him All-Star status. The Latvian player seamlessly integrated into the Boston lineup, contributing additional scoring and serving as a reliable rim protector.
Despite his positive impact, Porzingis has a history of injuries, and he recently experienced calf tightness in a game against the Orlando Magic. Fortunately, it appears to be a minor issue, with Porzingis sharing on his personal Instagram story, as reported by Chris Forsberg of NBC, that he is already on the path to recovery.
In the post, Porzingis conveyed, “good news this morning, be back very soon,” indicating that the medical evaluation did not reveal any serious concerns regarding his calf. This development comes as a relief for the Celtics, who heavily rely on Porzingis, especially given the current depth at the center position.
Porzingis on IG … pic.twitter.com/3f8FaFd11c
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) November 25, 2023
Although Boston suffered a loss to Orlando in Porzingis’s absence, the team recognizes that prioritizing the former All-Star’s health is paramount. The exact duration of his absence remains uncertain, but it appears that Porzingis is on track to make a relatively prompt return to the court.
