BOSTON -- Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis said he's excited about the state of his recovery from offseason surgery on a tendon in his left ankle, and he is optimistic about returning to the court without missing a beat once he is able to play. "I've been doing a good amount of stuff, doing pretty good," Porzingis said during media day at the team's practice facility Tuesday. "Looking forward to keep making the progress at this rate, and hopefully be back out there with the guys as soon as possible.
" Porzingis told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that his return could come as soon as December , which would be on the early side of the projected 5- to 6-month recovery period after undergoing surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg in June, shortly after Boston's championship parade. Editor's Picks From Porzingis to Butler: Key injury returns ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season 4d NBA Insiders Why the Boston Celtics' championship honeymoon lasted just 12 days 53m Ramona Shelburne Tatum: No motivation needed after Paris DNPs 20m Tim Bontemps When Porzingis came to the podium Tuesday, he did so with a big smile on his face and -- more importantly for the Celtics -- no limp in his gait. When asked what he's able to do at this point, not only did Porzingis say that he's running, but also that he went through his first light-contact workout this past weekend.
"Walking obviously with [no limp]," Porzingis said. "I'm running, I'm on the court,.