The Boston Celtics traded for big man Kristaps Porzingis this offseason, and it is a move that will give them more size and shooting. Though Porzingis is a good player and a former All-Star, it doesn’t seem as though everyone is sold that this is the right move to put the Celtics in championship contention.
NBA insider Chris Mannix has recently claimed that the Boston Celtics are actually worse after adding Kristaps Porzingis. The team notably moved Marcus Smart to get the big man and lost Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade.
“As of now, mid-July, they’re worse. It really is Kristaps Porzingis for Grant Williams and Marcus Smart. That, to me, is a step back because Marcus Smart, even though he was flawed, you know what he is. Grant Williams, as bad as he was in the second half of the season, he shot 41 percent from 3 in the first half, and I think getting a contract and security would have made him better going into this season,” Mannix said.
“I’m sorry, he worries me. He does. He had a great year last year, but he was in a contract year playing for a team that went nowhere. Now, he’s going to have the security of a long-term contract playing for a team that needs him to fit into a system to be highly successful. I just have my concerns at how seamlessly he’s going to fit into this mix.”
"Porzingis. I'm sorry. He worries me."@SIChrisMannix, @aminajadeTV and @ChrisForsberg_ weigh in on the state of the #Celtics, and whether they are better or worse after their offseason moves #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/5N35TPRorl
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 18, 2023
This is definitely a different take from Mannix, though the concerns seem fair. One aspect to note as well is Kristaps Porzingis being injury prone, as he has only played 60 games only once over the last four years.
Kristaps Porzingis averaged 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.7 APG while shooting 38.5% from 3PT range last season. Though there are risks with him, it is clear that the Celtics believe that the increase in the team’s overall talent level is absolutely worth it.
Kristaps Porzingis Thinks Next Year May End Up Being His Best Season
There is no doubt that Kristaps Porzingis has high hopes for next season. Previously, he claimed that next year may end up being his best season yet and perhaps his prediction will come true.
Ultimately, Kristaps Porzingis will be in one of the best situations that he’s ever been in on the Boston Celtics. That might bring out the best in him and we’ll see what happens in the future.
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