Tag: Kristaps Porzingis

Former Boston center Kendrick Perkins doesn’t like the Celtics’ recent moves

Is Big Perk right about the situation Boston now finds itself in?

Former Boston Celtics champion center and current Boston broadcaster Kendrick Perkins recently expressed concern about the direction of the team he won a title with in 2008 after the trade that sent veteran floor general Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies for Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis.

The Texan center questioned Porzingis’ performance under pressure and the leadership void left by Smart’s departure on a recent episode of the ESPN “NBA Today” show, suggesting the Celtics need to address their playmaking and find a new voice to lead the team.

Is Big Perk right about the situation Boston now finds itself in? Or will the post-Marcus Smart era of the team be one we will be celebrating come this time next year?

Take a look at the clip embedded above and decide for yourselves.

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Boston Celtics reportedly signing Kristaps Porzingis to two-year extension

This move provides a modicum of long-term security for Porzingis and solidifies the Celtics’ core of key players for the next three seasons.

The Boston Celtics are reportedly signing star big man Kristaps Porzingis to a deal rumored to be a two-year, $60 million extension after having traded away veteran point guard Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in order to land the Latvian center in a three-team deal also including the Washington Wizards earlier in the week.

This move provides a modicum of long-term security for Porzingis and solidifies the Celtics’ core of key players for the next three seasons. The contract is considered a good deal for both parties, with the Celtics getting a versatile player at a reasonable price, and Porzingis having the opportunity to showcase his skills in a competitive market.

To hear more about the extension and its potential impact for all parties, check out the clip embedded below that features the hosts of the NBC Sports Boston’s 2023 Free Agency Special to learn more.

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What the Celtics-Wizards-Grizzlies Porzingis-Smart trade means for the NBA landscape

With Al Horford, Robert Williams III, and Malcolm Brogdon, the Celtics now boast a formidable lineup that has made them the betting favorites to win the NBA title, but what else has changed due to this trade?

The Boston Celtics-Washington Wizards-Memphis Grizzlies trade created significant ripples in the NBA landscape for next season. One of the major changes is the move to Memphis of Marcus Smart, a player who has been a vital part of the Celtics for nine seasons. His departure marks the end of an era and signifies a change in direction for the team.

In exchange for Smart, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis, who strengthens Boston’s roster and its chances of competing for the 2024 title. Porzingis, known for his scoring, shot-blocking and 3-point shooting, had an impressive season with career-high scoring.

With Al Horford, Robert Williams III and Malcolm Brogdon, the Celtics boast a formidable lineup that has made them the betting favorites to win the NBA title, but what else has changed due to this trade?

Check out the clip embedded above to hear what the crew of the “Rich Eisen Show” had to say on that matter.

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How does star big man Kristaps Porzingis fit into the Boston Celtics’ style of play?

Defensively, opponents’ field goal percentages drop significantly when Porzingis is their primary defender.

How does star big man Kristaps Porzingis fit into the Boston Celtics‘ style of play? Porzingis is an incredibly talented player with offensive skills comparable to Al Horford and a supercharged Kelly Olynyk. He excels in the high post and is effective taking mid-range jumpers.

Porzingis’ pick-and-roll defense is ranked fourth in the NBA, allowing only 0.93 points per possession. He is a great option against zone defense as well. His ability to receive the ball easily in the middle due to his height advantage likely already has Boston fans salivating at a potential rematch with the Miami Heat in the 2024 postseason.

Defensively, opponents’ field goal percentages drop significantly when Porzingis is their primary defender, showcasing his value on that end.

To hear more about how the Latvian big man fits into the Celtics’ style of play, take a look at the clip embedded above courtesy of the folks from the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast.

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Report: Boston Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis expected to finalize two-year, $60M extension

The reported number is a bit of a bargain given Porzingis was eligible for a deal as high as $77 million across those two seasons.

One of the lingering concerns of the three-team trade that sent Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics for veteran point guard Marcus Smart was the lack of years left on the Latvian center’s contract. Porzingis opted into the final year of his current contract to make the trade possible.

Per new reporting from Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, it seems that concern will soon be put to bed. Porzingis and Boston “are expected to finalize a two-year, approximately $60 million extension” for the former Wizards frontcourt player.

That value would be something of a bargain given Porzingis was eligible for a deal as high as $77 million across those two seasons. The Celtics will be able to turn their attention to the Jaylen Brown supermax extension and Grant Williams’ restricted free agency in the coming hours and days.

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Does Kristaps Porzingis make the Boston Celtics favorites to come out of the East?

Are the Celtics the team to beat in the East?

The three-team trade that sent star Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics and veteran floor general Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies has sparked discussions about the Celtics’ potential as the best team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference if not the league next season.

Porzingis is seen by some as a key player who can unlock the potential of star Boston forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, the Celtics also face the challenge of filling the void left by Smart on and off of the court. He was considered the heart and soul of the team over his nine seasons in Boston.

Are the Celtics the team to beat in the East? A recent episode of the ESPN “First Take” show explored where we ought to assess Boston compared to the rest of the East for 2023-24.

Check out the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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Brian Scalabrine is a fan of the Kristaps Porzingis trade for Boston

Ultimately, for Scal, the Celtics needed more size, shooting, and balance on the roster, and Porzingis helps address those needs.

Before the dust had settled on the trade that sent veteran Boston Celtics floor general Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies for Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis, Boston broadcaster and 2008 Celtics champ Brian Scalabrine was a fan of the move.

Speaking on an episode of Sirius XM’s “The Starting Lineup” show, Scal broke down how the trade provides better balance to the Celtics’ roster, addressing the redundancy of guard-heavy players, and how Porzingis offers size, shooting, and spacing that complements the Celtics’ style of play. Still, the NBC Sports analyst admits Marcus Smart’s departure will be felt; he brought a defensive mindset, leadership and intensity to the team.

Ultimately for Scalabrine, the Celtics needed more size, shooting and balance on the roster, and Porzingis helps address those needs.

To hear the finer details about why Scalabrine is into the trade for Boston, take a look at the clip embedded above.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts to the Marcus Smart trade

Mazzulla also spoke about how he’s reflected on the 2023 East finals loss to the Miami Heat.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recently reacted to the trade that sent veteran point guard Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the three-team deal that brought star big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2023 NBA draft.

The Celtics coach described how Boston plans to use the Latvian center after the team introduced Porzingis to the media on Thursday. Mazzulla also spoke about how he’s reflected on the 2023 East finals loss to the Miami Heat, his new assistant coaches Charles Lee and Sam Cassell, along with what the team loses in the locker room with Smart gone.

To hear the interview in full with the folks at the CLNS Media Boston Sports Network YouTube channel, check out the clip embedded below to get up to speed on what Mazzulla had to say.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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How does Kristaps Porzingis fit with Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?

Porzingis wants to make the game easier for his new star teammates on the wing.

New Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis said he wants to make the game easier for his new teammates on the wing, forward Jaylen Brown and swingman Jayson Tatum.

In his introductory press conference, he said he’s entering his prime physically and maturity-wise.

The folks at the CLNS Media “Celtics All Access” YouTube channel sent Bobby Manning to the team’s practice facilities to get the lowdown on Porzingis’ arrival in Boston on Thursday afternoon.

Manning reacts to the biggest question as the Latvian center arrived: his fit. He also addresses the other big question: The money he will earn in light of the new collective bargaining agreement. Team president Brad Stevens said Boston will accept CBA penalties while trying to win, and he has the support of ownership for that approach. That seemingly signals the Celtics will be busy when free agency begins on Friday.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what CLNS had to say about The Unicorn landing in the Hub.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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Kristaps Porzingis introductory Celtics press conference: The best of his welcome to Boston

The Boston Celtics held their introductory press conference for star big man Kristaps Porzingis on Thursday afternoon.

The Boston Celtics held their introductory press conference for star big man Kristaps Porzingis on Thursday afternoon. Porzingis is expected to bring his strong work ethic and positive demeanor to Boston, and his presence is expected to improve both the team’s performance on the court and the atmosphere in the locker room.

The experience of starting his career in New York with the Knicks prepared him for the pressure of a market like Boston’s and helped him grow as a player. The Latvian center is excited about joining a team with talented scorers like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, as it will create opportunities for him offensively.

The team aims to build a cohesive and talented roster to pursue their goal of winning, as was recounted by Celtics president Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla.

To see the best moments from the big event, take a look at the clip embedded above by the CLNS Media Boston Sports Network YouTube channel.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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