The Boston Celtics didn’t take long to pivot from their disappointing Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, opting to trade for former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the 2023 NBA offseason. The deal may have cost Boston its veteran leader in Marcus Smart, but by some accounts, the Celtics are a lot more potent following the move.
Porzingis is one of the most unique talents in professional basketball. The 27-year-old Latvian big man combines strong defensive instincts with dynamic scoring output. He can shoot the 3-ball just as comfortably as he can ring the bell with a dunk, and just as swat an opposing shot on the other end. Injury concerns notwithstanding, Porzingis is a special player.
