Kristaps Porzingis played a key role in the Boston Celtics securing the 2024 NBA championship. The big man’s perimeter-based scoring, high-level rim-protection and underrated post-up game were all key parts of Joe Mazzulla’s system.
Unfortunately for Celtics fans, Porzingis will be suiting up for a new team next season. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a 3-team deal that landed Georges Niang and a second-round pick with Boston.
During a recent episode of his “From The Point” podcast, Atlanta’s All-Star guard Trae Young shared his thoughts on Porzingis’ arrival with the Hawks.
“Kristaps brings a lot to our team,” Young said. “If he’s healthy for our team, the sky’s the limit. Just what he brings to our team. The ability to stretch the floor. I think, now, I’ll be able to get to the basket even easier…With the bigs not being able to sit in the middle of the paint. You have to guard Kristaps now at the three-point line. He’s a threat from the half court up… I’m looking forward to playing with him. I know we’re gonna both make our lives a lot easier.”
During his two-year spell with the Celtics, Porzingis became a fan favorite. However, his inability to stay healthy, especially in the postseason, made him a viable trade option this summer. After all, Brad Stevens is retooling the roster while also trying to duck under the second luxury tax apron.
Celtics Have Suffered a Talent Drain This Summer
Porzingis isn’t the only member of Boston’s championship-winning roster to leave the franchise this summer. He’s joined by Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. It’s also looking increasingly likely that Al Horford will be the next name on that list. The veteran big man is an unrestricted free agent and doesn’t appear to be part of the Celtics’ future.
Stevens recently touched on the Celtics’ recent talent drain when speaking on air during the team’s recent Summer League game against the New York Knicks.
“It’s hard to see Jrue go. It’s hard to see Kristaps go, Luke, Al,” Stevens said. “And it’s just been unbelievable people to have in our group and have added value… I know when they come back to Boston this year, it’ll be pretty special, the tributes to all of them.”
With so many high-level talents leaving Boston’s ranks this summer, the roster has taken a significant hit. It’s fair to assume there will be some lowered expectations for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Former Celtic Marcus Smart Joins Lakers
To add another layer of disappointment to the Celtics fan base, former fan favorite Marcus Smart is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards to help make the move possible.
“Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on July 19. “A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.”
Seeing Smart suit up in the Lakers’ Purple and Gold will take some getting used to for Celtics fans. Smart’s move to Los Angeles should not come as too much of a surprise, especially when you consider the flurry of blows Boston has taken in recent months. And it all started with Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles tendon injury.
Nevertheless, Celtics fans will now be hoping that Stevens can retool the roster on the fly, with contending in the 2026-27 season still the primary goal.
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