The Boston Celtics confirmed earlier this week that Kristaps Porzingis would require surgery for a torn retinaculum and a dislocated posterior tibialis tendon sustained in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. 

Celtics president Brad Stevens later confirmed that Porzingis would most certainly miss the start of the 2024-25 season due to his ankle ailment. According to the most recent injury update, the big man will be out for 5-6 months following surgery, which means he may not be able to play again until 2025.

While Porzingis is now an NBA champion after Boston defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games, this is just another tragic injury setback in a career that has seen plenty of them. 

The 28-year-old has never played more than 72 games in an NBA season, and he appeared in only 57 games this season before missing the majority of the playoffs. He was injured in the first round against the Miami Heat and returned for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, only to be hurt again in Game 2, but he was able to play in the clinching Game 5.

What this means for the Celtics.

Kristaps Porzingis was a game changer for the Celtics this season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks in the few regular-season games he played. His effect was clear in Game 1 of the Finals, when he scored 20 points, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked three shots off the bench in a commanding win.

However, Boston is clearly accustomed to playing and winning without Porzingis. The Celtics breezed through the playoffs despite his missing the most of the championship run, because to their overall talent level and the presence of veteran Al Horford. Given the nature of his surgery, Horford’s confirmation that he will return for a second chance is even more significant.

Of course, Horford has just turned 38 years old and is nearing the conclusion of his career. While he remains productive, Boston does not want to rely on him too heavily during the regular season, so some big-man depth is required. 

Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are both free agents; perhaps one or both will return. The Celtics could also explore elsewhere for an inexpensive center to sign. The team is already quite pricey, so there isn’t much room for expansion, but Brad Stevens is a brilliant CEO who will undoubtedly devise a strategy to strengthen the roster despite restricted resources.

Despite Kristaps Porzingis’ injury, Boston will remain the title favorite next season, but his situation will be closely monitored going forward. And, if there are true long-term issues, could the Celtics consider moving on from him in the near future? It’s something to think about considering his injury history.

For the time being, Boston will continue to celebrate banner No. 18, as will Porzingis while he recovers from his ankle injury.