Kristaps Porzingis saying he would miss the World Cup due to lingering plantar fasciitis was a body blow to the Latvian national team.
It also raised eyebrows among Boston faithful, considering Porzingis’ lengthy injury history (and any news of a 7'3" guy with a foot issue is a concern) and how much the team needs him on the court. The Celtics worked to ease that concern in a release about the injury, saying Porzingis should be cleared and ready for the start of training camp.
#NEBHInjuryReport Kristaps Porzingis has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He will engage in a four-to-six-week rehab program, and is expected to be cleared for the start of training camp.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 16, 2023
Boston has bet big on Porzingis — trading away “heart and soul” guy and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to land him — and injury concerns could unravel this all. The Celtics have bet that Porzingis can repeat his play from last season in Washington, where he stayed healthy and played in 65 games, averaging a career-best 23.2 points a game with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. That 65 games was key, he hadn’t played in that many games in a season since 2017.
While Porzingis’ injury is not ideal for a big man heading into a season, this is an injury that needs rest and six weeks off, plus the ability to ease into camp, makes everything manageable. A healthy Porzingis next to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams III and the rest of a quality core makes this team a legit title contender. But they need Porzingis on the court.
