Nearly two months ago, Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis returned from a leg injury he suffered during the 2024 NBA Finals. Immediately following his return, he made his presence felt. The Latvian native has brought a ton of value on the court at each level of the game for the Celtics. There is no denying his importance to the team in their quest to repeat as champions. However, despite Porzingis’ talents, there is one major obstacle that makes it hard for him and the team to reach their full potential. Since joining the NBA in 2015, Porzingis has had a multitude of injuries. In his career, he has only appeared in 70 or more games once time (his rookie season). However, Porzingis recently spoke about his health, and his comments should catch the attention of Celtics fans.
Per Souichi Terada of MassLive.com, Porzingis is looking forward to “a good, long stretch of being healthy.”
“The first game I came back against the Clippers (on Nov. 25), it felt pretty natural,” Porzingis said. “Boom, I was right in. But then, again, I’m out, I’m in, I’m out a little bit. Not playing my best basketball, not being as efficient. That adds up a little bit to the team. But now I look forward to having a good, long stretch of being healthy and getting in a good rhythm and us hitting our stride.”
Kristaps Porzingis’ Comments Will Get Celtics Fans Pumped Up
Kristaps Porzingis’ Season Since Return From Injury
In 15 games played this season, Porzingis is averaging 18.5 points, 7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks. These numbers are down from last season. However, he still plays a crucial role on the court. Furthermore, the 29-year-old has finally found his rhythm. In each of the team’s last two games, he has recorded a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double while playing great on the defensive side of the ball. Furthermore, he has also played a role off the court in easing Celtics’ fans amidst the team’s recent slump.
Boston has not looked like their same dominant selves over the past few weeks. This stretch includes losses to the Chicago Bulls, the Orlando Magic without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and the Sacramento Kings without De’Aaron Fox. Regardless, Porzingis has made one thing clear–he is not worried about their slump.
“We’ll figure it out,” Kristaps Porzingis. “I’m telling you. I’m confident we’ll bounce back. We’re just having not the prettiest moment as a team, and it’s completely normal. I don’t need to be negative. Believe me, we’ll figure it out.”
The Last Word
Not enough can be said about Porzingis and his importance to the team. Even without him, the Celtics have an elite roster. However, Porzingis is what makes them a historic team. He is dominant on both sides of the ball and makes things a lot harder for Boston’s opponents. If he can remain healthy, it will prove extremely beneficial for the team in the long run. Though they are “slumping” their way to a 27-11 record, the Celtics remain one of the top teams in the NBA. This is true whether Porzingis is on the court or not.
There is a lot more competition this time around for Boston as they hope to bring another championship home. However, if Porzingis can remain healthy, there is no reason to believe the Celtics do not have a great chance to repeat as champions.
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