Celtics say Porzingis expected to be cleared for start of training camp in October | NY Sports News

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. 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. You won't see Kristaps Porzingis at the FIBA World Cup later this month, but it sounds like he won't miss any on-court activities for the Boston Celtics. The Celtics confirmed Wednesday that Porzingis has plantar fasciitis in his right foot and will engage in a "four-to-six-week rehab program" that should have him cleared for action by the beginning of training camp. If Porzingis begins his rehab program today, a four-to-six-week timeline would have him in the clear anywhere from Sept. 13 to Sept. 27. NBA training camps officially open Oct. 3, so if all goes well, the 7-foot-3 big man should be on the court for Day 1 of camp. Porzingis' foot ailment obviously is concerning given his injury history; the 65 games he appeared in last season were the most he's played since his second year in the league. The 28-year-old has the potential to be Boston's "third star" behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while helping the Celtics get over the championship hump, but president of basketball operations Brad Stevens is assuming a significant risk by committing to Porzingis through the 2025-26 season. Celtics say Porzingis expected to be cleared for start of training camp in October | NY Sports News #usanews #nysports #celtics