Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis has resumed basketball activities as the Mavs prepare for the start of the season. Rick Carlisle is watching this situation closely.
Porzingis underwent surgery in October to repair a torn lateral meniscus suffered during Dallas' first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the team had been optimistic he would be able to participate in training camp, which has come to fruition.
The former first-round pick did “5-on-0 and noncontact defensive work” with the Mavs, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Still, Porzingis might have a was to go before he is cleared to play.
Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle is encouraged by Porzingis' return, but reiterated there is currently no timetable for return:
“He’s got a great vibe about how he’s feeling and how he’s progressing,” Carlisle said to Mavs reporters, via MacMahon. “There’s no timetable [for full clearance] yet. It’s going to be at least January, but there are a lot of good signs.”
The Mavs have every reason to be especially cautious with Porzingis.
The former New York Knicks star has suffered multiple serious knee injuries, including a torn ACL sustained just over midway through the 2017-18 season. That ACL injury cost Porzingis a full season of his career, as the Mavs elected to hold Porzingis out after acquiring him from the Knicks ahead of the 2019 trade deadline.
Porzingis was a major contributor this past season for the Mavs, averaging 20.4 points and 9.5 rebounds to go along with 2.0 blocks per contest. He was also having an excellent series against the L.A. Clippers before suffering the injury.
Dallas is still banking on Porzingis to be the second star alongside Luka Doncic. The Mavs will not rush the Latvian back to the court.
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