New York Knicks star forward Kristaps Porzingis has been recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered back in February. This has marked the first major injury of his brief NBA career that has created some uncertainty around him.

He has continued to take steps forward toward over the past few months that should have him on pace to be back on the court at some point next early next season. According to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Porzingis voiced that he is hoping to return next season but is cautious about not pushing himself to be back on the court before he is physically ready to do so.

The 22-year-old is currently recovering from an injury that typically takes between nine months to a year to heal fully. The early portion of that window puts him near the start of the regular season and possibly in play for the preseason if he has shown enough progress to be able to get back on the court.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
cG9zdDoyODEzMzI0-thumbnail

Peter Sampson ·

Knicks' Donte DiVincnezo and 76ers' Tyrese Maxey with referees

Jack Winter ·

Stephen A. Smith in the middle, Knicks and 76ers logo on either side of him

Preston Byers ·

New York will likely take the precautionary approach with him given the significance of the injury and his importance to his future with the franchise. Prior to the injury, Porzingis had shown much promise on the court putting together a career-best campaign averaging 22.7 points on 43.9 percent shooting from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc along with 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per contest.

His promising development has demonstrated that he could become the face of the franchise that can bring them back to relevancy given his trajectory over his first three seasons. The only concern at this point is working him back to a point physically where he can return to being the centerpiece of the team on the court and further hone his skillset. All of this will be determined the closer he gets to the end of that timetable for his recovery.