Many people think that losing Marcus Smart robbed the Boston Celtics their team’s heart and soul. People tend to forget that the Celtics received a seven-foot-three unicorn in exchange who can assume that role.
Kristaps Porzingis’ defensive skills will breathe new life into a frontcourt that was sluggish and frequently injured before he arrived, and it’s probable that he’ll enter with a lot of passion and vigor to win over the Boston faithful.
After being in a few situations that did not put him in a position to get noticed, Porzingis will be able to shine night in and night out for a star-studded roster that, thus far, looks like it’s meshing well.
If the expected spectacular plays Porzingis has always provided his employers are present during the 2023-24 season, and the wins subsequently follow, the front office won’t regret the massive cost it took to bring him on. One has to think Porzingis will make sure he does whatever it takes to not only win the NBA Championship this year but start another Boston Celtics dynasty so he can be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
Kristaps Porzingis could be a Boston Celtics fixture just as Marcus Smart was
While the loss of Smart did hurt Celtics fans, they still have someone that can love and appreciate for many years to come considering the multi-year extension he signed in the offseason. Porzingis will show everyone his true potential on this team and he will be a key part of the C’s chase for Banner 18.
If—and perhaps even when—that occurs, the acquisition of Porzingis by the Boston Celtics could be remembered as Brad Stevens’ most significant decision as President of Basketball Operations. And who knows, maybe one day the No. 8 will hang from the rafters with a few more championship banners.
