Celtics learning Kristaps Porzingis realization Mavs and Knicks already know

Last year, Kristaps Porzingis was one of the most important pieces to the puzzle for the Boston Celtics. He completely diversified their offensive game and added a backline defensive presence with his length and shot-blocking. The result was an NBA Championship—Boston’s first since 2008—and a ring for the Latvian All-Star.

Heading into this season, Porzingis was on the injury report, a place he’s frequented throughout his NBA career. This time around, he was out after having surgery on a torn medial retinaculum, which allowed dislocation of the posterior tibialis. He came back toward the end of November and has been solid.

However, that’s not where Porzingis’ injury troubles ended.

Kristaps Porzingis will always be injury-prone

Since then, Porzingis has been placed back on the injury report multiple times for minor nicks and bruises. The most recent ailment came during the Celtics’ Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Porzingis exited the game and was ruled “doubtful to return” after halftime due to left ankle soreness. He did not check back into the game after the half.

This should have marked the final straw for Celtics fans. Porzingis is an amazing player. Fans love him. And rightfully so. But this is simply what he is—injury-prone.

The realization was made by the crowd in real-time, it seemed. As Porzingis limped up after an awkward stumble, the entire TD Garden crowd gasped. And every time he moved gingerly after that, they gasped again.

This is a reality the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks know all too well. Their fans got used to this life during his stints there.

In Dallas, Porzingis was rarely healthy enough to stay on the court, affecting his potential partnership with Luka Doncic. And in New York, his injury right before getting traded felt like a sign of sorts.

The difference is the Celtics have managed to build a title-worthy team with or without Porzingis healthy. He’s almost like a bonus player. With the Mavs and Knicks, he was needed if the team wanted any chance of reaching their highest peak.

Regardless, Porzingis’ affinity for injuries isn’t up for debate. It was an issue in New York, then in Dallas, and now, it’s a problem again in Boston. Just because the Celtics have structured themselves well enough to deal with it doesn’t mean it’s not a concern.

Celtics fans need to come to terms with the realization that Porzingis is going to always be at risk for an injury. No matter what.