Kristaps Porzingis has seemed happier than ever since joining the Boston Celtics. After seven years in the NBA, Porzingis has never won a playoff series. That will likely change next spring.
Last season, Porzingis played like an All-Star for the Washington Wizards. The Latvian big man averaged 23.2 points per game and scored a team-high 1,505 total points. KP recorded career highs in assists per game and steals per game. He also got to the free-throw line more than he ever had, averaging 5.4 makes on 6.4 attempts.
Porzingis will serve as a third – sometimes fourth – option with Boston. The 7-foot-3 giant will see more open looks than he can handle, especially when Jayson Tatum is on the floor attracting double teams. The Unicorn sank 38.5% of his 3-pointers during his career year in D.C.
Porzingis has welcomed the loaded roster around him with open arms, repeatedly praising his new team from when he was shipped to Beantown. In an exclusive NBC Sports Boston interview with Chris Forsberg, Porzingis discussed what it means to play for a contending team like the Celtics.
“It feels like at this point in my career, this is what I really wanted … to be able to try to win it all,” Porzingis said. “Especially wearing these colors and this organization, which is, as I keep saying, if not the most iconic, then top two most iconic franchises there is … and I’m playing for this team, so it’s absolutely incredible. An incredible opportunity for me, and I’m just grateful for it all.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics Updates
Through three preseason contests, Porzingis has given Celtics fans a sneak peek of what to expect this season. In only 23.3 minutes a night, KP has poured in 16 points per game on 60% shooting from the field with a blistering 61.5% clip from downtown.
Porzingis’ combination of size and shooting gives him some of the best two-way versatility in the league. His skill set allows him to score and defend at the rim, hit deep threes, and post up to make plays for himself and others. Boston has not had a big man this talented since the great Kevin Garnett.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics Updates
Ready to compete alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Porzingis addressed the championship mentality the Jays display regularly.
“I think what stands out to me the most is how selfless they actually are,” Porzingis said, per NBC Sports Boston. “I could tell from just the pickup games and just talking to them a little bit … their only goal is to win. These guys are honestly incredible. That’s why they’re here in this organization, and they’re gonna be here for a long time … I’m just glad to be their teammate now.”
Porzingis has fully bought into the Boston culture as he prepares to play on a contender for the first time in his career. The Celtics will kick off their season on Oct. 25 when they take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
