Kristaps Porzingis seemed happier than ever since joining the Boston Celtics. In his seven years in the NBA, Porzingis has never won a playoff series. That will likely change next spring.
Last season, Porzingis played as an All-Star with the Washington Wizards. The Latvian big man averaged 23.2 points per game and scored a team-high 1,505 points. KP set career highs in assists and assists. He also got to the free throw line more than ever, going 5.4 on 6.4 attempts.
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Porzingis functions as a third – sometimes fourth – option in Boston. The 7-foot-7 giant is getting more open looks than he can, especially when Jayson Tatum is on the floor and attracting double teams. The unicorn shot 38.5% from 3-point range during his career year in D.C.
Porzingis has welcomed the roster around him with open arms, repeatedly praising his new team since being sent to Beantown. In an exclusive interview with Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, Porzingis discussed what it means to play for a rival team like the Celtics.
“I feel like that’s what I really wanted at this point in my career … to try to win it all,” Porzingis said. “Especially wearing those colors and this organization, which is, as I say, if not the most iconic, two of the most iconic franchises … and I’m playing on this team, so it’s just unbelievable. An unbelievable opportunity for me . and I’m grateful for everything.”
Through three preseason contests, Porzingis has given Celtics fans a taste of what to expect this season. In just 23.3 minutes a night, KP scored 16 points per game, shooting 60% from the field and 61.5% from downtown.
Porzingis’ combination of size and shooting gives him the best two-way versatility in the league. His skill set allows him to score and defend at the rim, make deep threes and make plays for himself and others. Boston hasn’t had a man this talented since the great Kevin Garnett.
Poised to compete with Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Porzingis regularly talked about the Jays’ championship mentality.
“I think what stands out the most to me is how unselfish they really are,” Porzingis told NBC Sports Boston. “I can tell just from the games and talking to them … their only goal is to win. These guys are really amazing. That’s why they’re here in this organization and they’re going to be here for a long time. … I’m just happy to be their teammate.
Porzingis has fully bought into Boston’s culture as he prepares to play as a contender for the first time in his career. The Celtics open their season on October 25 when they face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
