The country of Latvia is headed to its first-ever FIBA World Cup appearance, and new Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis will soon be leading the charge for his native country when play tips off this August. Latvia will join a field of Canada, Lebanon, and France in Group H as part of the Jakarta phase.
Porzingis is a key player for the Latvian team as the most accomplished of his countrymen in the NBA, contributing 25.5 points per game to go with 14.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest during the qualifying period. The 27-year-old was thrilled when his team officially qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup last year.
“It’s when I most enjoy playing basketball, when it’s with the national team,” Porzingis said, “It’s going to be a great experience for everyone, not just me, the team, but our families and fans. It’s going to be spectacular.”
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During the qualifying rounds, Latvia was one of the hottest shooting teams from the European circuit. Porzingis shot 38.5% last season in the NBA with the Washington Wizards. Oklahoma City Thunder sharpshooter Davis Bertans will also suit up for Latvia, as will his brother Dairis.
Celtics fans may be a little wary of seeing a newly acquired player head off for competitive international play. Last summer Danilo Gallinari suffered a torn ACL during World Cup qualifiers, costing him the entire 2023-24 NBA season.
Still, it’s a tremendous honor for Porzingis and the country of Latvia, and one the big man isn’t taking for granted.
“Anything can happen,” he also said. “You can finish in the top three or 15. We have to see how it goes. We are going to have (the) talent to do great things.”
While there is more work to do on this roster, the offensive potential is not minor. https://t.co/gieulKZqgo
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 28, 2023
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