Why Boston Celtics Make This Trade
Again, the Boston Celtics’ interest in this deal is contingent on their playoff outcome. If they even advance to the NBA Finals, they’ll probably opt to tinker rather than overhaul.
At the same time, a series loss to the Heat could tempt them to do something more radical. Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis would certainly qualify as such. He doesn’t necessarily fit with their current philosophy, but he could fit if they were willing to alter it.
As constructed, the Celtics’ defense is built on a platoon of rangy, quick-footed big men. Robert Williams III, Al Horford, and Daniel Theis can all survive switches. It’s been a recipe for success to this point. If it doesn’t get them past the Heat, they may conclude that they’re in need of more size.
Human beings don’t get much more sizeable than Porzingis. He’d instantly become the best rim deterrent on this deal, with all due respect to the Time Lord. Having a big who can dominate in drop coverage could do wonders for this team if they retained the bulk of those aforementioned defensive specialists.
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His ability to space the floor should also allow him to co-exist with Williams III. They could make for one of the most formidable defensive frontcourts in the entire Association.
