Kristaps Porzingis is yet to make his season debut for the Boston Celtics. He has been sidelined due to offseason surgery and hasn’t been expected back until mid-December at the earliest. Despite his absence, Joe Mazzulla’s team has amassed an 11-3 record to begin the season and currently sits second in the Eastern Conference.
On Monday, the Celtics revealed that Porzingis has been cleared to start the next phase of his recovery. As such, the team assigned him and Xavier Tillman to the Maine Celtics so they could participate in a practice session before being reassigned to Boston’s main roster.
“Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis has reached the next phase in his recovery,” the Celtics released via their X account. “As part of his rehab plan, Porzingis and Celtics forward Xavier Tillman will be assigned to practice with the Maine Celtics at the Auerbach Center this afternoon. Following this practice, they will be recalled to the Boston Celtics, where Porzingis will continue to ramp up his workload. No additional information regarding his return is available at this time, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
Porzingis is likely still a few weeks away from being cleared to assume a role within Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. However, once he does get that clearance, Boston will instantly become a different kind of threat. The veteran big man elevates the team on both sides of the floor.
Based on the Celtics’ recent performances, Porzingis will likely have a more significant impact on the defensive end. Boston is ranked 10th in defensive rating. It has struggled when guarding in transition and when protecting its defensive glass. Porzingis’ size, length and mobility will help solve both issues.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Porzingis won’t have a big impact on the Celtics offense, too. His post-up scoring and ability to stretch the defense outside the perimeter were key points in Boston’s success last season.
Considering how strong Boston has looked to begin the season, adding Porzingis back into the equation should firmly reestablish it as championship favorites. However, it must ensure that he remains healthy for the stretch run and during the postseason. He’s too important to have sidelined again, especially when the rest of the East has improved.
Porzingis coming back is a major boost to the Celtics, but only if they manage his minutes correctly.
