Kristaps Porzingis was expected to be the focal point for Latvia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. But a lingering injury has forced Porzingis to pull out of
the tournament, which is being held later this month.
Porzingis revealed that he is no longer playing for Latvia due to a bout with plantar fasciitis. The Boston Celtics big man made the announcement on
Twitter.
“After several weeks of recovery and a repeat MRI examination, the plantar fasciitis of my foot still prevents me from being on the field in full
readiness,” Porzingis said in Latvian, translated via Twitter.
“This joint decision has been made by both the medical staff and coaching staff of the national team, as well as the Celtics team – with the advice and
opinion that it is now necessary to continue the recovery process.”
The Celtics acquired Porzingis via trade in June and appear to be keen on protecting their player from risking further injury.
Porzingis did promise that he would be present to support his teammates despite not being able to play. Latvia was included in Group H together
with Canada, Lebanon, and France. Latvia will open the tournament with a game against Lebanon on August 25.
Porzingis was his country’s best player during their 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifying games last summer. Prior to that run, he had not played for
Latvia in international competitions since 2017.
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Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis out of World Cup with foot injury
Last week, a report came out of Germany that the Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis would likely miss the World Cup due to a foot injury. The Latvian
national team quickly and forcefully denied the report, saying Porzingis planned to play.
Tuesday, Porzingis announced on social media that he would be out for the World Cup due to an ongoing plantar fasciitis issue in his foot.
“After several weeks of recovery and a repeat MRI examination, the plantar fasciitis of my foot still prevents me from being on the field in full
readiness. This joint decision has been made by both the medical staff and coaching staff of the national team, as well as the Celtics team… Such a
decision is not easy to make, but I promise that I will be there and support the team as much as I can.”
Losing its best player is a huge setback for the Latvian team, which was already in a tough World Cup group with France, Canada and Lebanon. A lot
now falls on the shoulders of Davis Bertans.
This news also should be a concern for the Celtics. They traded for Porzingis — and gave him a two-year, $60 million contract extension — not only
because he averaged a career-best 23.2 points a game with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, but also because he played in 65 games and was essentially
healthy. Put the Porzingis of last season next to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the rest of a high-level Celtics core and this team — while different
and more offensively focused than previous years — is a clear title contender.
However, 7’3″ Porzingis has a lengthy injury history, and plantar fasciitis is the kind of thing that can linger. The Celtics don’t open camp until Oct. 2
and can ease Porzingis in, but they have bet big on him being on the court for them this season. Boston needs him.
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