Barely a week into the regular season, the Boston Celtics are one of just three undefeated teams left in the NBA. It's only a matter of time until the defending champions stand to get even better, too.
The Celtics are targeting a December debut for dynamic starting center Kristaps Porzingis as he trends toward a full recovery from offseason ankle surgery, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
"The Celtics are targeting December, from what I'm told, for Kristaps Porzingis and his return," Charania said Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show." "There was video I was seeing last night of him warming up before the game. He has not progressed to contact yet. But if you're watching this video you're probably licking your chops, getting ready for Kristaps Porzingis to be back in the lineup. He looks really, really good."
The oft-sidelined big man underwent surgery for a rare left ankle injury in late June, with Boston subsequently announcing a five-to-sixth month timeline for his return to the floor.
Porzingis expressed optimism about his recovery at Media Day in late September, while Boston general manager Brad Stevens said the team was "very pleased" and "maybe a little surprised" by the pace of his progress.
If the Celtics began 2024-25 struggling instead of re-cementing themselves as championship favorites, they apparently might have considered bringing Porzingis back earlier than scheduled.
"If they didn't have the luxury of being where they are right now, maybe you're a little bit more pressed to bring KP back," Charania said. "But they have the luxury of having to be patient, they can wait, they don't necessarily need to rush him back at all. If it ends up taking until January, it takes until January. But right now, they're targeting December. It could even be earlier, but right now they're really focused on that month."
Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season, his ability to space the floor offensively and protect the rim on the other end taking coach Joe Mazzulla's team to new heights. Veteran Al Horford has been starting in his stead.
Boston, 4-0, is back in action on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
