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Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis said he believe his foot started to hurt during practices leading up to the 2023 FIBA World Cup. But Porzingis believes it’s an injury that developed over time.

“I have an idea where the injury occurred. But an injury develops during a career and then jumps onto the field. During the training process, it started to hurt,” Porzingis said. “There has never been anything like it. I felt that there were no options to achieve the shape I wanted. There was no logic in trying to break my feet.”

Despite the injury, Porzingis traveled with his Latvian teammates to Indonesia to support them during the World Cup. The veteran big man said he had the Celtics blessings to do so.

“I said being around is important, even though I’m not playing. They supported my decision,” Porzingis said. “Also, there’s a long season ahead. It’s important for me to spend time with my teammates, with my family, and Boston respected my decision.”