BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics’ center, is expecting to outperform expectations and recover from ankle surgery quicker than projected.
Porzingis, who underwent the procedure shortly after the NBA Finals, told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that he expects to return to action in December.
“I’m running, I’m on the court, shooting normal…” Porzingis spoke with the media during a press conference on Tuesday. “I’m doing a lot of things, honestly. I was already doing some live contact, and it felt pretty fantastic afterwards.”
While Porzingis is likely eager to return, don’t expect the Celtics to rush him back. They are confident in their frontcourt depth and will be able to handle his absence without big effects.
Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Celtics from the Washington Wizards prior of the 2023-24 season. It was a tremendous decision for Boston, as the one-time All-Star became a major component of their dominant run, which ended with a league-leading 64-18.
