Kristaps Porzingis seemed to be in better spirits than ever after joining the Boston Celtics. Porzingis has never won a playoff series in his seven years in the NBA. This is expected to alter next spring.
Porzingis was an All-Star for the Washington Wizards last season. The Latvian power forward averaged 23.2 points per game and finished with a team-high 1,505 total points. KP set career highs in both assists and steals per game. He also made more free throws than ever before, averaging 5.4 on 6.4 attempts.
Porzingis will be Boston’s third – and sometimes fourth – option. The 7-foot-3 colossus will have more open shots than he can handle, especially with Jayson Tatum attracting double teams. During his rookie season in D.C., the Unicorn made 38.5% of his 3-point attempts.
Porzingis has welcomed the powerful roster surrounding him with open arms, complimenting his new squad since being sent to Beantown. Porzingis highlighted what it means to play for a competitive club like the Celtics in an exclusive NBC Sports Boston conversation with Chris Forsberg.
“It feels like at this point in my career, this is what I really wanted … to be able to try to win it all,” Porzingis said in a statement. “Especially wearing these colors and representing this organization, which is, as I keep saying, if not the most iconic, then one of the top two most iconic franchises in the world… and I’m playing for this team, so it’s absolutely incredible.” It’s been an amazing experience for me, and I’m grateful for everything.”
Porzingis has given Celtics fans a preview of what to expect coming season in three preseason games. KP has averaged 16 points per game in only 23.3 minutes each night, shooting 60% from the field and 61.5% from outside.
Porzingis’ stature and shooting ability give him some of the best two-way versatility in the league. His skill set enables him to score and defend at the rim, shoot deep threes, and post up to create opportunities for himself and others. Since the legendary Kevin Garnett, Boston has not had a big man as talented.
Porzingis emphasized the Jays’ championship mentality as he prepared to compete against Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
“I think what stands out the most to me is how selfless they actually are,” Porzingis told NBC Sports Boston. “I could tell just by watching the pickup games and talking to them a little bit… their only goal is to win.” These guys are just amazing. That’s why they’re in this organization, and they’ll be around for a long time… I’m just delighted to be a part of their team now.”
Porzingis has thoroughly embraced the Boston culture as he prepares to play for the first time in his career on a contender. The Celtics will open their season on October 25 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.