Author: Monojit Mandal
Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, surprised his former employer, Danny Ainge of the Utah Jazz, by acquiring valuable player Kristaps Porziis. The Celtics acquired Porziis from the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade that also sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. This is a setback for the Jazz, who should be interested in signing the Latvian talent in free agency, according to Marc Stein of the NBA.
Stein also reported that Porziis had shown a great desire to join the Celtics. Porziis opted to use his $36 million player option for the 2023-24 season to secure his final destination, facilitating the deal with Boston. Porziis’ skills would have been beneficial to the Utah Jazz, who are rebuilding after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last season. However, the Celtics’ clear vision of his place in the team eventually won him over.
Porziis was projected to join the Celtics’ starting line-up with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford or Robert Williams III. This acquisition solves a long-standing vacuum at the center position for the Celtics, as Horford and Williams are no longer available.
During the 2022-23 season, Porziis proved his worth with an average of 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He shot 49.8% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, adding to his reputation as a versatile and talented player.
While the addition of Porziis definitely improves the Celtics, the loss of Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies leaves a vacuum in their roster. Malcolm Brogdon is set to take over as the starting point guard next season. The Celtics’ depth at the position, however, remains a problem, with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard serving as the main options.
After losing the Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat, the Celtics are motivated to return and reach the NBA Finals next season. The signing of Porziis demonstrates his commitment to go all out and bring a championship to Boston for the first time since 2008. The Celtics have a strong starting line-up and renewed goals.