NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, Boston Celtics star big man Kristaps Porzingis may already be dealing with an injury.
One of the bigger splashes of the NBA offseason (at least thus far) included the Boston Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a blockbuster three-team trade. The belief is that KP could be somewhat of a final piece addition for the Celtics next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
There’s one thing that could blow that idea up in an instant, even before the season begins: injuries. Unfortunately, it seems as if Kristaps Prozingis could already be battling one.
According to a report, Porzingis could miss the FIBA World Cup due to an injury. But at least for the Celtics, the concerns for the Celtics have to go well beyond Porzingis’ availability for Latvia in the World Cup.
Exclusive: According to my information there are growing concerns that Latvia star Kristaps #Porzingis might miss the #FIBAWC due to injury. Understood it is something with his foot. Staff, himself and Boston #Celtics will wait until the last moment to make a decision. pic.twitter.com/YIkIz6coTo
— Rupert Fabig (@rupertfabig) August 9, 2023
The Boston Celtics should play the long game with Kristaps Porzingis
While playing for Latvia has to play an important role for Porzingis, there’s no question that the Celtics have to step in here. And perhaps this is crafted as a collective decision, but if there’s even a small concern about Porzingis’ foot, he can’t play in the World Cup.
This whole Celtics season gets blown up if KP suffers an injury. Let’s be honest here. It’s not to say that the Celtics’ season is going to be dictated by KP, but he’s a big part of the puzzle heading into the 2023-24 season.
KP Was Boston’s huge offseason acquisition. In fact, they were willing to part ways with, in a lot of ways, the heart and soul of their team (Marcus Smart) for him. The Celtics are sold to this move.
If this move ends up blowing up in Boston’s face, for whatever reason, there could be jobs lost because of his decision. That’s how important health is for the Celtics this year.
So if there’s even a small chance that KP could re-injure his foot or make things worse, there’s no question he should not step foot in a game during the World Cup. The hope is that this is more of a precautionary measure than anything.
At least for now, though, the Celtics have to be holding their collective breaths. The Celtics are going to need a healthy KP this year to accomplish the goals that they have in mind. This is kind of the last thing you want to hear before the start of the season.