Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis played in 1st scrimmage since injury (report)

The Celtics don’t open training camp until next week, but players have already descended upon Boston to get work in behind the scenes. That includes new addition Kristaps Porzingis, who’s made at least a few appearances on the C’s social media over the past few days.

There was some worry about Porzingis’ foot after he revealed he had plantar fasciitis, which kept him out from playing for Latvia in the FIBA World Cup. But all signs appeared positive on the injury front as the big man was still expected to be healthy for the start of camp.

Porzinigis took part in his first scrimmage Wednesday since the injury and “had no issues,” according to the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. That’s all positive news for the Celtics as they’re betting on Porzingis to help shake up the team and win Banner No. 18.

The Celtics are taking a gamble after trading Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies in a three-team deal that netted them Porzingis. It was a stunning deal right before the 2023 NBA Draft, but it was clear the C’s wanted to shake up the team’s core by adding the big man.

Porzingis is coming off a career year in Washington where he was stellar on both sides of the ball. The Celtics will have to tweak who they are with him in town. But Porzingis adds a different element to the team with his shooting and rim protection, which the Celtics will hope puts them over the top.

The real concern with Porzingis is his lengthy injury history, though he played in 65 games last season. But the plantar fasciitis resulted in some groans for the C’s faithful that another player was hurt before the 2023-24 campaign even began. As of now, though, it appears the Celtics should be at full strength once they open camp.