When the Boston Celtics traded for former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis earlier this week, initial reactions focused more on what the team gave up. Boston is parting ways with nine-year veteran Marcus Smart in the three-team deal, a decision team president Brad Stevens described as “really, really, really” difficult. It will take time for the team, the players, and the fans to grapple with this change.
Looking ahead, however, Boston is welcoming aboard one of the league’s most dynamic and intriguing players. Beset by injuries and distractions away from the game, the 27-year-old Porzingis hasn’t always been able to play to his potential. Now with the Celtics, Stevens is confident Porzingis will once again play to his ceiling, benefitting Boston on both ends of the floor.
Late Thursday night Stevens spoke to the media shortly after the trade was made official. He explained how the move helps balance Boston’s depth chart a bit, but more importantly, that Porzingis’ unique game could be a big advantage for the Celtics.
Celtics president Brad Stevens expressed his gratitude for Marcus Smart while looking ahead to the Kristaps Porzingis era. https://t.co/2yLGvONEWi
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 23, 2023
“You’ve heard me talk about playing big, playing long,” Stevens said. “Kristaps can play with any combination of our players. He can play with Rob (Williams III); can play with Al (Horford), he can play as a standalone five.”
“And he can play defensively the way we want to. He’s a deterrent at the rim. And he’s a super skilled basketball player.” Stevens added.
Boston’s frontcourt depth was an issue last season. The Celtics struggled to generate offense at the rim, especially against zone defenses. Stevens said he believes Porzingis will help with this.
“We didn’t post a ton this year,” Stevens said. “But to be able to throw the ball in the post and just shoot over a switch, and do it so efficiently and effectively is a big deal, let alone be able to play behind the line, shoot the ball or drive it. He brings a lot to our team.”
Boston made the Smart-Porzingis trade official complete with a press release late Thursday night. https://t.co/AKXouLMFao
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 23, 2023
A trend during this NBA postseason was how often offenses ran their sets through a big. The Denver Nuggets employed this tactic with Nikola Jokic, but teams like the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers also benefitted from having the ball run through the middle of the floor. Stevens was asked about Porzingis’ ability to do something similar.
“In this day and age benefit greatly from having a big who can be the hub at times,” Stevens said. ” It doesn’t have to be it all the time, but it can be the person that maybe offense flows through and you get cutting off of it. We’ve been fortunate enough to play through Rob as a passer, we’ve been fortunate enough to play through Al a lot with the ball and Kristaps is another person that can do that.”
Porzingis is a talented finisher around the rim. But he also connected on 38.5% of his 3s last season. He’s a dynamic offensive force to balance his ability to play punishing defense.
Importantly, despite Porzingis’ high profile around the league, Stevens believes he’ll mesh well with the Celtics as they gear up for another deep postseason run next year. He also hinted he hopes Porzingis is with the team beyond next season.
“I know that he is extremely team-oriented and extremely excited to be here,” Stevens said “But he also he understands this is an accomplished team that he’s joining, and he wants to help.”
What are NBA analysts saying about the deal from their points of view? Let’s take a look at the gamut. https://t.co/J5GQJYBQXX
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 23, 2023
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