3. Kristaps Porzingis
Boston signed Porzingis to a two-year extension shortly after acquiring him. He is under contract until 2026 and just played a crucial role in the Celtics winning a championship. KP creates easy buckets out of the post and protects the rim. Having a 7’3 big man capable of nailing 30-foot jumpers is a massive plus, and the franchise will not find a like replacement.
The only worry is his injury history. Porzingis played in 57 regular season contests and just seven of 19 playoff games for the Celtics this season. He has not appeared in more than 65 regular season games since 2017 and played in 70 or more just once in nine years.
The Unicorn is set to make $60 million over the next two seasons. Do the Celtics bet on him staying healthy when the games matter most? It was a gamble this season, but KP made his presence felt in the NBA Finals and helped Boston win banner 18.
Brad Stevens will have to weigh the risks and rewards. Kristaps Porzingis continues to evolve his game, but he only helps when he is on the floor. He turns 29 in August and should be in his prime. The Celtics likely keep him and hope for the best, but do not rule out a trade entirely.