Boston Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis to undergo leg surgery, will miss the start of next season and Paris Olympics

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis will undergo leg surgery in the coming days, causing him to miss the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, the team announced. Porzingis sustained a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite initially planning to compete for Latvia in the Olympics, the injury has forced him to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the competition. The Celtics have not provided a specific timetable for Porzingis' return post-surgery, but Celtics president Brad Stevens mentioned that the big man will likely miss at least the start of the 2024-25 season. Porzingis played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, averaging 12.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in seven postseason appearances. His absence will put pressure on veteran Al Horford and other big men on the team. Porzingis' decision to play through the injury in the NBA Finals, against medical advice, led to his limited minutes in Game 5, where the Celtics clinched their 18th title. The surgery, aimed at repairing his leg issues, will sideline him for a few months, impacting his availability for the upcoming NBA season. Despite his desire to delay surgery until after the Finals and the Olympics, the injury's severity necessitated immediate medical attention. Latvia, where Porzingis was set to represent in the Olympics, will now have to navigate the qualifying tournament without their star player. The Celtics will monitor Porzingis' recovery closely and provide updates as he progresses through rehabilitation. The team will need to adjust their roster and game plan in his absence, as they aim to defend their NBA championship in the upcoming season.