Kristaps Porzingis, the towering centerpiece of the Boston Celtics’ NBA Finals triumph, is set to undergo surgery on his left leg as he prepares for a return to action next season, Celtics president Brad Stevens announced Tuesday. However, the recovery process will prevent the 28-year-old from representing Latvia in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. Stevens indicated that the surgery is imminent, with further updates on Porzingis’ timeline and recovery expected post-operation.
The decision to undergo surgery comes after Porzingis sustained a significant injury during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he suffered a torn medial retinaculum leading to the dislocation of his posterior tibialis tendon. Despite missing two games due to the injury, Porzingis displayed grit and determination by returning to contribute five points and one rebound in just 16 minutes during the Celtics’ decisive 106-88 championship-clinching victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Porzingis’ path to the NBA championship was marked by resilience, having previously been sidelined for 10 games earlier in the season due to a calf strain. His return to form was crucial for the Celtics, whom he joined in a trade from the Washington Wizards at the beginning of the season. Throughout the regular season, Porzingis showcased his versatility, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks across all 57 games he started, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in Boston’s championship campaign.
Despite his disappointment at missing out on the Olympic opportunity, Porzingis remains focused on his recovery and the upcoming NBA season with the Celtics. His absence from international competition serves as a precautionary measure to ensure he returns at full strength, ready to contribute to Boston’s quest for continued success on the basketball court.
