When Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Celtics, he was positioned right into a scenario he beforehand hadn’t skilled within the NBA.
In each New York and Washington D.C., Porzingis was requested to play a number one function on groups making an attempt to regain relevancy. And in Dallas, the uniquely gifted massive man was positioned to be the operating mate for one of many league’s greatest gamers.
However in Boston, Porzingis merely was tasked to slot in. The Celtics already had been an NBA Finals favourite earlier than the 28-year-old’s arrival, however he was wanted by Brad Stevens to provide the Celtics that a lot better of an opportunity to boost the 18th championship banner in franchise historical past. And inside his first encounters with cornerstones Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Porzingis careworn his need to assist with profitable greater than anything.
“I informed them from Day 1, I’m coming in right here that will help you guys win,” Tatum informed The Athletic’s Jared Weiss. “That’s all I’m right here for and no matter it takes. If it takes me sitting on the bench or coming off the bench or no matter, then I’m right here for it.”
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Porzingis proved to be an ideal slot in Boston, the place he helped Tatum, Brown and firm seize the Japanese Convention’s No. 1 seed and the league’s greatest regular-season file. A calf damage prevented Porzingis from making an influence within the convention playoffs, however he’s anticipated to be accessible within the Finals in opposition to considered one of his former groups.
And if Porzingis picks up the place he left off on basketball’s largest stage, he’ll function a significant serving to hand and provides the Celtics a fantastic probability to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.