Latvian national team star and Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis will miss the rest of the FIBA World Cup due to plantar fasciitis, he announced on social media Tuesday.
Kristaps Porzingis announced that he will miss the FIBA World Cup after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his foot.
Speedy recovery, @kporzee! 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/W27QoSKGJ2
— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) August 16, 2023
Porzingis’s injury has numerous effects on a Latvian team that made their first FIBA World Cup. It could also impact the Celtics if the injury persists into September.
FIBA World Cup News: Kristaps Porzingis Out with Plantar Fasciitis
Latvia Without Porzingis
The Latvian national team had qualified for the FIBA World Cup in February. Their last game was a 67-57 win over Greece that encapsulated an impressive 11-game win streak. Their competition in Group H includes heavy hitters in France, Canada and Lebanon, though their roster appears ready for the challenge.
Porzingis had spearheaded the team as its tallest and most talented player. Now, his absence leaves a remarkable void.
Latvia can still rely on other prominent players in Davis Bertans, his brother Dairis Bertans, as well as Rodions Kurucs, Mareks Mejeris and Rolands Smits. In four qualifying games, Davis averaged 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Dairis put up 9.8 points while playing all 12 contests. Kurucs, Mejeris and Smits all had their fingerprints on several contests, and their roles will certainly increase in World Cup play. Still, Porzingis’s impact on the roster is unquestionable. He averaged 25.5 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks per game in two February contests.
The roster will have to keep up against other FIBA teams with more talented players, particularly ones with NBA experience. France has Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier. Meanwhile, Canada boasts eight NBA players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk (Jamal Murray had been slated to play for Canada, but has opted out to rest for next season).
It’s safe to say that Latvia will have their hands full, but underdogs should never be counted out. Their first game will be against Lebanon on Aug. 25, followed by a matchup with France two days later.
Effects on the Boston Celtics
Although Porzingis’s foot injury will have a major impact on Latvia, it shouldn’t immediately concern the Boston Celtics. Since Porzingis has dealt with plantar fasciitis for a few weeks, he should be in better shape by the time training camp begins in late September. It’s worth noting that recovery time is usually around six to twelve weeks.
Porzingis is the second Celtic to deal with injury issues at the FIBA World Cup. Newly-signed forward Oshae Brissett had to withdraw from FIBA play due to a knee injury. Having both forwards on the mend is a good sign for head coach Joe Mazzulla. If Porzingis’s recovery is longer than expected, however, keep an eye on backup bigs Robert Williams III and Al Horford in training camp.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Kristaps averaged a career-best 23.2 points per game, along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Porzingis’s production will be vital heading into Boston, so it’s essential that he has a full recovery.
The Last Word
Kristaps Porzingis’s plantar fasciitis has set up a major obstacle for Latvia. They will have to face top-tier competition without their fearless leader. Porzingis and the respective medical staffs of the Latvian team and Boston Celtics have made the proper decision. They are allowing the big man to rest up in time to rejoin the Celtics.
Porzingis will play a pivotal role for Boston going forward. While it may hurt to be on the sidelines during Latvia’s first trip to the FIBA World Cup, he still has plenty to look forward to once the NBA season rolls around.
