Kristaps Porzingis has been a great addition to this season's team, leading to the success of the No. 1-seeded Boston Celtics in this year's NBA Playoffs. However, there's been a lot of pondering whether or not the 28-year-old should step back on the court or wait it out some more.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73317127/usa_today_23145898.0.jpg)
As one publication notes, coming back sooner than later could have dire consequences.
“Should star Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis hurry back from a soleus injury to help the Boston Celtics vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals series? The Latvian center has been seen moving well and making shots at practice, but there is a significant risk in returning from his injury too soon,” Celtics Wire prefaced before saying, “The likelihood of reinjury is high if he does, and it could even progress into something much worse, like a torn or even ruptured Achilles tendon.”
During the playoffs, Porzingis has been averaging 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists before his soleus injury in Game 4 in Miami. His presence around the perimeter for his size has created driving lanes, making it easy for guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to get going offensively.
Who on Boston Celtics will step up in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis?
The veteran Al Horford has been next up in the frontcourt, able to stretch the floor like Porzingis in the starting lineup. On top of Horford, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman have been sharing the minutes, providing a great presence inside for rebounding and defense.
The rotation for the Celtics is much more capable than what people may think. Coach Joe Mazzulla has three big men to strategize with, which is also beneficial for the future, assuming Boston advances to the Eastern Conference Finals.
By the time Porzingis officially makes his return, the depth chart will have already been exercised, making the Celtics an even better and more battle-tested team than they were entering postseason play.
As long as the guys in green keep on winning, the Latvian center will have the chance to make his appearance, but in the meantime, it's an "up next" mentality for now.
