Proof is in the pic: Kristaps Porzingis answers to claim of slow rehab
Kristaps Porzingis quickly flipped the script on media reports that his comeback was moving slowly by taking a jab at the news with photographic proof on his Instagram story.
The New York Knicks’ 7-foot-1 power forward is nine months removed from ACL surgery on his left knee and quickly replied Thursday evening to reports that the recovery isn’t going as well as planned.
Knicks coach: Porzingis rehab moving slowly
New York Knicks first-year head coach David Fizdale told the New York Daily News his Latvian star was able to shoot and lightly jog, but wasn’t able to sprint yet. The same was true more than a month ago at training camp.
“He’s still kind of there,” Fizdale said in the report, which other media outlets picked up. “No huge jumps.”
Fizdale added the star was grinding and working hard during rehab, he just hadn’t progressed.
Porzingis, 23, could become a restricted free agent in July and has not spoken publicly since September.
Porzingis responds to reports on injury
Porzingis didn’t have to speak out to clap back at the reports. He took to his Instagram story with three photos in response.
Kristaps Porzingis posted these pictures seemingly in response to comments made by David Fizdale regarding KP's rehab progress. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/W4HwbXIWL0
— Danny Small (@dwsmall8) November 9, 2018
The first two show him running on what’s likely a high school track. There’s no indication where he is or when the photos were taken because they can be uploaded to a story from the phone’s gallery.
Porzingis liked a tweet Friday morning from Clarence Gaines, the former Knicks scout who persuaded the team to draft him, commending his form.
Kudos to @kporzee on his running mechanics – staying tall with high hips, level head & good arm action – technically sound – posted pictures of self in a triple extension position off both legs on “toe off” – He injured his left ACL. “Cook ‘Em Slow” https://t.co/K6IBXZ7QYD https://t.co/N0TqCHtvxj
— Clarence Gaines (@ClarenceGaines2) November 9, 2018
Porzingis employs his own medical team as well as consulting team doctors, according to the New York Daily News, which seems to have directly set up this situation.
“Fizdale even acknowledged he’s out of the loop regarding Porzingis’ strengthening benchmarks,” the Daily News reported.
The Knicks are 4-8 and are unsure if Porzingis will return this season, per the initial report.
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