Porzingis ruled out for Latvia with foot problem

Boston Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis will not play for Latvia in the FIBA World Cup because of plantar fasciitis.

Porzingis announced on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, that he made the decision after an MRI scan in consultation with the Celtics and Latvian coaching and medical staff about the foot issue.

"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," Porzingis wrote in Latvian.

"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 — with the advice and opinion that it is now necessary to continue the recovery process."

He didn't indicate how quickly he could return to basketball, but plantar fasciitis can be an ongoing issue. Porzingis posted that he already has had "several weeks of recovery".

The FIBA World Cup begins on Aug 25 in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Porzingis, 28, averaged a career-best 23.2 points for the Washington Wizards last season as well as 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks in 65 games. He shot a career-best 49.8 percent from the floor, with his 38.5 percent accuracy on 3-pointers the second best of his career.

A 2017-18 All-Star, Porzingis has averaged 19.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in seven seasons with the New York Knicks (2015-18), Dallas Mavericks (2019-22) and Wizards (2022-23).

Agencies