Setting expectations for Porzingis’ return to the NBA Finals originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics are hoping to get Kristaps Porzingis back for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. But even if the big man is healthy enough to play, it could take some time for him to shake off the rust.
Porzingis hasn’t played since suffering a left calf strain in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series against the Miami Heat. When the final starts next Thursday, it will have been 38 days since he stepped onto the field.
The winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves would present the Celtics’ toughest test yet. Porzingis would be an X-factor against either opponent, but is it fair to have such high expectations for the All-Star coming off the injury?
Our Celtics insider Chris Forsberg shared his thoughts on Wednesday Early edition.
“I actually want to get him back in top form,” Forsberg said. “But I’m greedy, right? For example, I don’t know where he is in his recovery. He spoke to us very early in the process. Everything seems super encouraging. … And you had the luxury of not doing that. rushing him back in the last series. So, will 10 extra days put him in a position where he can be something more than maybe just the 20 minutes you were hoping for? I cross my fingers and hope so.
Dallas is Boston’s most likely opponent as it needs a 3-1 lead in Thursday’s Game 5. If that indeed turns out to be the matchup, Forsberg believes Porzingis will have extra motivation to rise to the occasion.
“All I’m saying is it’s Dallas on the other side. A little motivation after things didn’t work out there with Luka (Doncic),” Forsberg added. “And I wonder if they need him not just personnel-wise in this series because of how well some of their bigs (Daniel) Gafford and (Dereck) Lively will be in the basket, but overall I think he will do too.” look across the field and say, “I was blamed for this not working?”
Phil Perry isn’t lowering his expectations for Porzingis. While he’s willing to accept one rusty performance, he believes Porzingis should be at full strength in what could be a tough series against the Mavs.
“They need him to be in top form because we saw defensively in the last series against Indiana that their ability to protect the rim was lacking without Kristaps Porzingis,” Perry said. “And with the pick-and-roll game the way the Mavericks like to play it, where Luka Doncic is arguably one of the best pick-and-roll guys of all time, they’re going to need him on the perimeter.
“So he has to be at or near top form for the entire series. If it’s one game and it’s like he’s just getting his legs back under him, he’s a little rusty with his touch around the rim, okay, fine. But other than that You need him to be who he has been for you for the vast majority of the season.”
For what it’s worth, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla shared an encouraging update on Porzingis’ status on Wednesday. Porzingis posted a message on social media telling C’s fans that he would see them in the finals.
You can watch the full ‘Early Edition’ segment below or on YouTube:
