DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Mavericks starting center Kristaps Porzingis looks to be nearing a return to action sooner rather than later, according to head coach Rick Carlisle.
Following Tuesday's practice, Carlisle met with media, and updated Porzingis's status, telling reporters that the 25-year-old was a "full go" during practice.
Later in the media session, Porzingis also spoke to reporters, giving a look inside the practice, and the work he has been able to put in.
"I felt good out there, moving around & feeling the contact," Porzingis said. "After practice, I played some 1-on-1s. I wanna get back into the rhythm of playing against contact. The next step is getting right to be able to step on the court & play a game."
While this is an encouraging sign as to when the star will make his 2020-2021 season debut, Carlisle was quick to point out that Porzingis will not play in the month of December, and that there is no definite timetable for his return.
"Some time in the next two weeks isn't far-fetched," Carlisle said.
Porzingis has been missing from the lineup since the end of last season's game three playoff loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, and attempted to play through the injury, scoring 34 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in his final game.
"Physically I'm getting pretty close to where I need to be," Porzingis said. "Now it's just a matter of putting in more work and feeling more comfortable out there. Doubt is removed by action so I'm putting in the work to make sure when I do step on the court I'm confident and ready to go."
With Porzingis missing from action this season, Dallas sits with a 1-2 record, and ranks 25th in the league in rebound differential at -5.6.
