Celtics power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who was to lead Latvia in the World Cup, which begins on Aug. 25, posted on social media that a recent MRI result led to his decision of not playing.
He posted that it was a joint decision with the Latvian medical and the Celtics coaching staff.
The 7-foot-3 Porzingis was traded to the Celtics this offseason and agreed to a two-year, $60 million extension which will tie him to Boston through the 2025-26 season at $96 million.
Last season with Washington, Porzingis played in 65 games, the third most that he’s played in a single season in his eight-year NBA career.
He averaged a career-best 23.2 points while putting up 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks. He also shot a career-high 49.8% from the field, and his 38.5% 3-point percentage was the second-best mark of his career.
Porzingis was one of the two current NBA players on the 16-man roster Latvia released at the end of July for the upcoming World Cup.
The only other current NBA player was Davis Bertans, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason.
The Celtics announced Wednesday morning that Kristaps Porzingis will engage in a four-six week rehab program as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his right foot and should be ready for the training after that.
Well, Boston fans could breathe a sigh of relief, after the announcement at least for now.
Al Horford and Robert Williams III, the team’s other two big men, have also been injured numerous times.
While Porzingis can add a lot, he brings risk with him.
The Celtics traded away multiple players to land the Latvian star, including Marcus Smart, lets hope that Porzingis lives up to the standards and quench the Celtics’ third for a championship ring.
Meanwhile, if Porzingis doesn’t pan out as the front office hopes, it will be a huge regret and disappointment for both the team and its fans.
