The Boston Celtics have completely transformed their roster this NBA offseason, starting with the addition of Kristaps Porzingis and the loss of Marcus Smart. The Celtics made further changes when they recently traded for Jrue Holiday.
After losing Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon in the Holiday deal, Boston will have to lean heavily on Porzingis at the center position. The 7-foot-3 Latvian has played both power forward and center throughout his career.
On NBA Media Day, Porzingis addressed the loss of Williams and discussed how he can make up for Timelord’s absence.
“It hurts,” Porzingis said, per Bobby Manning of CLNS Media. “I’ve been here for two weeks, and I could already see how he was that charismatic guy for this group … we wish him nothing but the best … I don’t mind (playing center) … it’s a tough job for other fives to guard me.”
During his last few years in Beantown, Williams served as an anchor for one of the best defenses in the association. He provided the Celtics with high-energy rim protection and efficient rim-running, and he became a fan favorite over time.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
Fortunately for Boston, Porzingis brings a lot of the defensive skills Williams brought to the table while boasting a superior offensive repertoire. Armed with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, he does a great job of contesting shots at the rim and stuffing them when he can. He can also shoot the lights out and has the height to rise up over virtually any defender.
Porzingis’ ability to stretch the floor could make the Celtics a nightmare matchup for many of their Eastern Conference rivals. Teams like Milwaukee and Philadelphia often pack the paint on defense and rely on physical rim protection from their bigs. Porzingis could disrupt the rhythm of players like Joel Embiid and Brook Lopez by forcing them out of the paint with his long-range brilliance.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
Last season, Porzingis was one of four players in the NBA to average at least two made threes per game and one block per game. He posted 1.5 blocks per contest and shot 38.5% from three on 5.5 attempts. For his career, Porzingis averages 1.8 rejections a game with a 35.9% clip from downtown.
“Defensively, I can most effectively be used when I’m around the rim, and I think that’s how I’m going to be used,” Porzingis said, per Manning.
While Williams’ departure will leave Porzingis with big shoes to fill, Boston’s newest star big man seems more than up to the task.
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