Grading the Kristaps Porzingis trade from every Boston Celtics angle
By Eric Fritts
What the Boston Celtics gained
Knowing what was given up, what is coming in the door in exchange?
Kristaps Porzingis has had a colorful career thus far, playing in New York, Dallas, and most recently Washington. Hailing from Latvia, and standing at seven-foot-three, he was deemed one of the original unicorns, sort of like a poor person’s Victor Wembanyama. He can shoot, defend the rim, and move with agility. Last season he averaged a career-high 23.2 points per game on 49.8/38.5/85.1 shooting splits.
But he does come with some risks. Like Brogdon, Porzingis has struggled to stay healthy over his career. He has averaged only 40 games per season over his 10-year career if you include the season he sat out with an ACL injury. That is definitely not encouraging. But, also like Brogdon, he had one of his healthiest seasons in 2022-2023, playing 65 games, his highest since his sophomore season, on 32.6 minutes per contest.
Plus what also needs mentioning is how Porzingis fits. It became apparent that Boston needed an extra big when Blake Griffin was getting real minutes, and Porzingis not only fills that role, he fits the style of play too. The Boston Celtics like to shoot, sometimes to their detriment, but adding another floor spacer keeps opportunities open to either play multiple bigs or play a rather large version of small-ball, with five out.
The other point to consider is why the Celtics needed a center in the first place. Rob Williams is just as injury prone as Porzingis and Al Horford can’t hold up forever, as he enters year 17. Even if it means two injury-prone guys playing the five, this move splits the load between two really talented players.
Lastly, the picks need to be mentioned. The Celtics are acquiring the 25th pick in this year’s draft as well as a 2024 first via Golden State. Not a big haul essentially trading up 10 picks this year and getting some future draft compensation, but it certainly is better than no draft capital.
All in all, this was a good deal and a good fit for the Boston Celtics.