Porzingis shares calf injury update, jokes about ‘historic’ recovery originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
BOSTON — Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis was a surprise on the court after the team practiced Saturday, and while he emphasized that it will take some time for his injured right calf to heal, Porzingis is optimistic that he will eventually be back. back on the court with his teammates.
“I’m getting better every day, I’m in a good mood today, and every day I would say,” Porzingis said. “But of course it’s a shame to be out, not to be able to play with my boys, but to do what I can now get back to as soon as possible.
“It’s something, it’s nothing. So it’s going to take a while, for sure. But I’m doing everything I can to expedite it because I want to get back as quickly as possible. But understanding, like, the worst would probably be re-aggravating it. So, be smart. .
“You would have to ask the medical staff about those details. I’m just following the plan. But I’m hoping to hear back as soon as I start to get better.”
Look who the Celtics fans are, Kristaps Porzingis took time off from treatment and met with the media. He walked towards us without a boot. He says the injury wasn’t as serious as he thought, but it will take some time to rehab. He was in good spirits and appears to be working his way back. pic.twitter.com/aCvSUShKHl
– The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) May 4, 2024
Porzingis noted that the soleus injury is similar to the a left calf ailment he suffered in November against the Magic – one of two potential teams the Celtics could look at in the next round. Porzingis missed four games after the injury and the team gave him training days throughout December.
The Magic and Cavaliers play Game 7 on Sunday to determine Boston’s opponent in the second round. This series begins Tuesday night in Boston.
“I had similar [calf issue] at the beginning of the season. It was against Orlando, that game, and I think I missed a week or so,” said Porzingis. “But we went very slowly, very carefully. This time, because of the part of the season we are in, it will be a lot more aggressive, I would say, but being smart. – week, not day after day, week after week – and just see how I progress and hope for a quick recovery.”
Porzingis emphasized that this injury is more serious, but said its timeline largely depends on how the calf responds when activity increases.
“I’m not on the ground yet. But very soon I hope to start doing things,” Porzingis said. “Still in the weight room, still moving and slowly building up. I would say each day is great progress, still very fresh, but progressing and feeling good…
“There’s no specific date, obviously. It’s still very early. I think it will become clear when I start doing more things. When I start doing more things, it will become clearer. But yes. It’s not very close yet.”
Porzingis waited a while and then joked: “But hoping for a recovery at a historic pace.”
Latvian big man admitted he feared the worst when he stopped during game 4 in Miamiand it was a blow to learn he would miss time in the postseason.
“Hard, hard, hard. I’m not going to lie, it’s hard,” Porzingis said. “The first few moments were really difficult. It brings you down for a second. It is what it is. It’s part of the sport and these things happen and the best I can do now is: OK, what’s the next thing I should do to get healthy as quickly as possible? And stick to the plan and make sure I do everything and stay in that mindset because I can’t change what happened in the game.
“That’s it. I’m looking forward to taking quick steps toward getting back on the court.”
Porzingis said he still hopes to travel with the team in the second round.
“I want to be around the team even if I’m not playing,” Porzingis said. “So I hope to travel.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, speaking after Porzingis’ media session, couldn’t offer much insight into Porzingis’ progress.
“I didn’t pay attention,” Mazzulla said. “I have no idea.”
