Here’s the first look at Kristaps Porzingis in green! The Celtics pulled off a massive trade for Porzingis last week, dealing away fan favorite & perimeter-defensive-anchor Marcus Smart to Memphis in the process.
Trading Smart was a difficult move for the franchise but bringing in Porzingis could alleviate some of the problems the C’s had in terms of extra shooting, frontcourt depth & shot-blocking.
It was a necessary gamble after falling short of a Finals appearance this past season - after Miami completed the upset, you knew Boston would do something…it was just a bit surprising that both Smart was dealt and they were able to acquire someone of KP’s caliber.
Playing alongside Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown will unlock a level of freedom that Porzingis has never felt on the offensive end: it should do wonders for his confidence & longevity throughout the course of the season & next year’s playoffs.
Heading into 2023-24, Porzingis slides in as Boston’s third best player and second Top DOG (along w/ Brown).
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS