It’s been a couple of weeks since the Celtics saw their starting center Kristaps Porzingis in action. He’s been suffering from a viral illness. “I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strength to help this team,” he announced on X. However, in spite of his condition, the former Knick is present on the sidelines trying to show support to his teammates. It was reported that Porzingis plans to return against the Los Angeles Lakers. He didn’t then, nor did he mark his return tonight against the Utah Jazz. So what’s really happening?

Some Celtics fans are having a hard time making sense of it. They feel either the Latvian big should stay at home to recover or, if he is at the arena, show some signs of being close to being in shape. However, the illness seems to be complicated. Porzingis may as well be itching to play. But the diagnosis seems complicated.

In these rough times, though, Joe Mazzulla assured the fans of one thing: “I think he said it best. I think you know at the end of the day just making sure he’s safe. He’s still able to come in and be around the guys as best he can and try to stay in the best shape possible. He’s been on the court. So he’s doing what he can to get back. But he kind of said it best at the same time we just got to kind of make sure he’s good and we do what’s best for him,” the Celtics head coach announced.

Kristaps Porzingis has been marred with injury troubles since his induction to the league. Having last played on February 26 against the Pistons, he has only played in 32 games this season. Moreover, over his career, the one-time All-Star played over 60 games just thrice in his ten years.

It’s got to be tough on the dynamic center too. Although the Celtics do have a fierce lineup without Porzingis, he adds many combinations. Serving as the only decorated shot blocker, the Shamrocks’ defense suffocates rivals with his presence on the floor. However, to Mazzulla, an injury doesn’t change his mindset.

It’s part of the long and hard NBA season. So rather than count down the days for Porzingis to return, he makes sure each rotation player for the Celtics stays ready.

It’s the next guy up for the Celtics

It’s rare to have a starting five that even a casual NBA fan could remember. That’s the sort of allure the Boston Celtics have with their star-studded lineup. However, the reason they win still remains their depth. With Porzingis absent, it’s been veteran Al Horford to fill in the role. Against the Lakers, his defense served as a pivotal reason the Celtics narrowly won the game.

At times, it’s been Luke Kornet who utilizes his large frame to provide spacing for his supremely talented teammates. The next-guy-up mentality has enabled the reigning champs to remain just as lethal as last year. And it doesn’t just apply to centers. They have Payton Pritchard, a 6’1″ guard who is a hound on both sides of the floor.

The favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year got a rare starting nod against the Trail Blazers due to injury. He exploded for 43 points. Tonight, the Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, their most prolific scorer. So Sam Hauser replicated his scoring production by doing what he does best. Hauser hit nine threes and scored a game-high 33 points.

It’s rare to have such a quality of depth on any roster. And aside from the players themselves, Joe Mazzulla also deserves immense credit for the way he has handled various injuries through this season. The coach has adapted on the go, has every man ready for whatever situation might befall the Celtics and has led the team to the second best record in the East.

Obviously, not just Celtics fans but even teammates would love to have Kristaps Porzingis’ versatility elevate their roster. But even without him, Boston isn’t looking for excuses. They are taking action and every guy on their roster is ready to fill in at any moment.