Setting expectations for Porzingis’ return in the NBA Finals originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics hope to bring Kristaps Porzingis back for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. But even if the star big man is healthy enough to play, it could take some time for him to shake off the rust.
Porzingis has not played since suffering a strained left calf in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series against the Miami Heat. By the time the finals begin next Thursday, it will have been 38 days since he last stepped on the court.
The winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves would represent the Celtics’ toughest test yet. Porzingis would be an X-factor against either opponent, but is it fair to set such high expectations for the All-Star recovering from injury?
Our Celtics insider Chris Forsberg shared his thoughts on Wednesday Early Edition.
“I kind of want him to get back into top shape,” Forsberg said. “But I’m being greedy, right? Like, I don’t know where he is in his recovery. He talked to us very early in the process. It all seems super encouraging. … And you had the luxury of not rushing him back in the last series , so will 10 extra days put him in a position where he can be something more than maybe just the 20 minutes you were hoping for?
Dallas is Boston’s most likely opponent, as it takes a 3-1 series lead into Thursday’s Game 5. If this is indeed the matchup, Forsberg believes Porzingis will have extra motivation to rise to the occasion.
“The only thing I will say is it’s Dallas on the other side. A little motivation after it didn’t work out with Luka (Doncic),” Forsberg added. “And I wonder, not just in terms of personnel do they need him in this series because of how good some of their bigs (Daniel) Gafford and (Dereck) Lively are going to be at the basket, but in general, I think he’s going to look at the across the court and say, ‘Was I to blame for this not working?’
Phil Perry isn’t lowering his expectations for Porzingis. While he’s willing to accept a rusty performance, he believes Porzingis needs to be at full strength in what could be a tough series against the Mavs.
“They need him to be at his best because we saw defensively in the last series against Indiana, his ability to protect the rim was lacking without Kristaps Porzingis,” Perry said. “And with the pick-and-roll game, the way the Mavericks like to play it, with Luka Doncic maybe being one of the best pick-and-rollers of all time, they’re going to need him at the rim.
“So he needs to be in or close to his best form throughout the series. If it’s a game and it’s like, he’s just getting his legs back under him, he’s a little rusty with his touch around the rim, okay, that’s fine. , you need him to be who he’s been for you most of the season.”
For what it’s worth, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla shared an encouraging update about Porzingis’ status on Wednesday. Porzingis posted a message on social mediatelling C’s fans that he will see them in the finals.
You can watch the full “Early Edition” segment below, or on YouTube:
