Kristaps Porzingis has had quite the first impression with the Celtics. The 7-foot-3 big man has been making noise on both ends of the floor, giving Celtics fans a glimpse of just how much he brings to the table.
In three preseason contests, the 28-year-old has averaged 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a block. Porzingis has knocked down 8-for-13 attempts from downtown, shooting an incredible 61.5% from deep, much to the delight of head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Porzinigs adds a whole new dimension to Boston’s offense. His ability to space the floor, work as a screener, execute the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop, and score from just about anywhere on the floor makes Boston’s offense all that more dangerous.
“The ball will seem to find KP a lot just because of his skill set and what he’s able to do,” Mazzulla said following Tuesday night's preseason win over the Knicks. "He creates two-on-ones and close-outs, so getting him in those side pick-and-roll situations or those angles is kinda the trigger for our offense right now."
Parlaying Porzingis’ offensive versatility with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s ability to put massive scoring numbers any given night is nightmare fuel for opposing coaches.
The 7-year vet has been equally impactful on the defensive end. In fact, Porzingis’ defense might be what has stood out the most in his early success.
The big man's elite rim protection and ability to defend the perimeter have been on full display. Porzingis has built a reputation as one of the league’s better players in drop coverage, and we are seeing why early on. Pair Porzingis in drop with Derrick White and Jrue Holiday trailing, and it's a lethal combination.
Porzingis presents tremendous versatility defensively, and it has earned him the trust of his head coach to freelance a little bit.
“Joe has kind of given me a green light on defense,” Porzingis said. “[If] I see an opportunity to maybe put some pressure on them defensively, I go for it.”
The team chemistry will come with time, but Porzingis appears to have settled in comfortably. It’s clear Porzingis’ game helps Tatum and Brown’s, and theirs helps his.
"It's just easy to play with these guys," Porzingis said, "I keep repeating myself, but they draw so much attention that I get wide-open 3s, wide-open looks, and they find me. And I just shoot those shots.”
“He [Porzingis] makes the game easier for myself and everybody else,” Tatum said. “His versatility, ability to stretch the floor, and shoot anywhere. When he’s open, find him.”
The way Porzingis’ game complements that of the Jays is something the Celtics have been looking for. Porzinigs looks like the piece the Celtics were missing in their chase for Banner 18. Health permitting, the sky is the limit for Porzingis and this Celtics team. We have already seen shades of how good the Celtics can be, and they will only get better as their chemistry continues to develop.
“The more time we get together, the harder we'll be to stop. Honestly, we're just getting started," Porzingis said.
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